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| Grant Funds Help OSP Enforce Chain Up Laws on Selected Mountain Passes | ||
| 11/16/2007 | ||
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Sergeant Alan Hageman Patrol Services Division Office: (503) 934-0268 Sergeant Dave MacKenzie OSP Motor Carrier Enforcement Office: (503) 388-6213 ext. 244 Photograph links valid for 30 days - Source: Oregon State Police http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/hwy140safety%20corr.%20pic.jpg http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/120405.2.JPG http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/022207.hwy97mp147.1.JPG http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/022607.fatal.hwy95mp26.1.jpg http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/030806.hwy26mp61.madrasbus2.JPG Oregon's weather can change quickly and without warning. During the winter, conditions hit early and often causing problems for many travelers. To emphasize the importance of being prepared, the Oregon State Police (OSP) will kick off stepped up enforcement efforts next week with a special emphasis on enforcing motor carrier chain law requirements in mountain passes. On Tuesday, November 20, 2007, the Oregon State Police will kick off increased enforcement efforts on selected Truck Safety Corridor and mountain pass locations around the state. OSP chain enforcement efforts received a $35,000 grant from ODOT's Transportation Safety Division to provide 550 hours of overtime enforcement in 12 selected mountain passes. Some of the overtime grant funds will be used November 20th during the one-day initial enforcement reminder to put extra OSP troopers on these selected highways. Every winter Highway Mountain passes on interstate and state highways experience an increase in the number of motor vehicle crashes, resulting in a significant impact to travelers. In many cases these crashes are associated with excessive speed and traveling without the required chain equipment and, in the case of passenger vehicles, the appropriate tires and traction devices. "The goal of this project is to emphasize to drivers the importance of being prepared for the upcoming driving challenges by having the appropriate chain equipment when driving in those areas where they would be required," said Sergeant Alan Hageman of the OSP Patrol Services Division. "The overtime grant funds have come in very handy to help put more officers in these areas through the end of the winter season." The areas selected during the November 20th kick off are:
"These problematic mountain passes were selected during the last couple years and are targeted again this year because they have been plagued by truck crashes, especially during the winter months," said Sergeant Hageman. "Having the right size and number of chains required when traveling in those areas where they may be required is good for you and other drivers, especially on mountain passes." Other mountain passes identified for increased enforcement during the upcoming winter season include:
Commercial motor vehicles stopped will be inspected for compliance with Oregon law requiring the carrying of a sufficient number of chains needed for chaining up during conditions when they would be required. Information regarding Oregon's chain up laws for commercial vehicles and other motorists may be found at www.TripCheck.com in the "Winter Travel Info" link. Oregon State Police and ODOT suggest the following tips on chaining up and driving with chains:
In Oregon, call 5-1-1 for road conditions or (800) 977-ODOT (6368). Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. Reports are available 24 hours a day. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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