Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the next winter storm moves across the state Tuesday, ODOT said its crews are working around the clock to help keep highways safe. Very cold temperatures overnight will create icy and dangerous conditions. 

The safest place to be during a winter storm is at home. If you must travel, stay alert on the road and use caution when approaching snowplows. 

Remember, passing a snowplow on the right is illegal when there is no lane available and the driver lacks a clear view ahead. It’s not just against the law, it’s dangerous. Passing snowplows puts you at risk of hitting the plow blades, damaging your vehicle, or even losing control and going off the road. 

“Please don’t pass us. Leave room and understand that we are here to keep people safe and traffic flowing,” said Warren Nelson, coordinator of the ODOT crew in Bend.

Many plows have retractable wing blades that extend eight feet into the right lane. Dual-wing plows used on some multi-lane highways also have plow blades that extend from the left side of the truck. 

Plowed snow may contain rocks and other debris, so the safe choice is to stay several car lengths behind plows. They travel slowly but will pull over periodically to let you pass. 

There were multiple snowplows hit over the past week alone. Crews say they appreciate when drivers give them extra space. 

“When a snowplow is damaged, it is placed out of service. With one less plow able to help clear our roads, it means more delays and closures for travelers,” said Jeremiah Griffin, ODOT district manager in the Rogue Valley. 

If you must travel during a winter storm, here are a few tips: 

Know before you go. Visit TripCheck.com for road conditions along your entire route. 

Remember that many TripCheck.com cameras include temperature, elevation and other critical details. It’s worth noting that cameras may be temporarily disabled during winter storms due to power outages or extreme conditions.  

Drive for conditions. If encountering rain, mud, snow, ice or extra traffic, be sure to slow down and give extra space for stopping. 

Keep your vehicle in good operating shape, checking brakes, lights, tires and wipers regularly. 

In wintry conditions, visibility can be poor. Turn on your headlights and watch out for people walking and biking.  

Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead. 

Remember your basic safety rules — wear your seat belt, reduce distractions and do not drive impaired.

If you’re not comfortable traveling in snow and ice, consider using public transportation. Be aware that service may be delayed or offline during severe weather, so always check schedules and updates before heading out.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Snowfall returned and lingered across much of the High Desert on Tuesday in the wake of Monday’s first round in weeks, leading to dozens of crashes, rollovers, slide-offs and fender-benders on area highways and reminders about proper preparation and safe winter driving.

Deschutes County 911 dispatch reported that they sent first responders to at least 50 crashes from 3:30 p.m. Monday to mid-afternoon Tuesday.

A dispatcher told KTVZ News the median divider installed on Highway 97 at Deschutes Junction between Bend and Redmond has definitely helped prevent more serious injuries, as a couple of crashes in that area didn’t cause issues in the oncoming lanes.

Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller told KTVZ News, “We’ve had 30 calls for service reporting motor vehicle accidents yesterday and today.”

“Ours are mostly fender-bender, non-injury crashes,” Miller said. “I count seven hit-and-runs as well. We’ve also responded to at least 23 hazards – typically vehicles that are stuck in the snow.”

Redmond Police responded on Monday and through mid-afternoon Tuesday to a dozen crashes, three of them hit-and-run, and two hazards involving vehicles stuck due to the snowy weather, Lieutenant April Huey said.

PulePoint data showed Redmond Fire & Rescue responding to at least six crashes on Tuesday and one Monday evening.

All of the High Desert was under a winter storm warning Tuesday, generally to the east, or a winter weather advisory for more snowfall until Wednesday morning, and the chances of more snow continue off and on through the week.

Miller said she wants to remind people: “It is your responsibility as a driver to make sure you have decent tires, brakes, windshield wipers, etc.”

“We want people to clean off their cars so that they can see out their windshields, and preferably clear the tops of their vehicles as well, so they’re not leaving snow billowing behind them as they drive down the road, blinding the people behind them,” she added.

In fact, Bend PD made that point in a Facebook post Monday, noting that it’s illegal to drive without clearing your view:

“And of course, slow down – give extra space, especially when coming to a stop or trying to get started on an icy or snowy road,” Miller urged. “Just because you have snow tires or studs doesn’t mean you can drive like you normally would. You need to account for the weather and drive for the conditions.”