PLEASE NOTE: This article is not intended to provide legal advice, and is no substitute for speaking with a licensed attorney. If you have been seriously injured in an accident and have questions, please contact an attorney. You can reach our office—the Law Office of Benjamin A. Pepper, PLLC—at (360) 733-3966 or via our website at https://bpepperlaw.com.
With winter nearly here and with it the possibility of snow and slippery conditions in the lower elevations and virtually guaranteed in the higher elevations and passes, it is time to make preparations for safe vehicle travel in adverse weather and road conditions. This article covers some of the basics drivers should know when venturing out in their vehicles during winter in Washington State. Most of these rules and tips apply wherever you might encounter wintry road conditions.
Get The Right Tires
Before driving in winter, be certain that your vehicle has proper tires in good condition for the roads and conditions that you intend to negotiate. If you will be driving on roadways on which traction tires or chains are required, make sure before you leave that your vehicle meets those requirements. The potential consequences (for your safety and/or your wallet) of not doing so are significant.
Even if traction tires are not required when you begin a trip, weather conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains. It is best to be prepared with proper tires at all times from November through March when winter conditions are always a possibility.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) may issue the following traction advisories, depending on road conditions. Always keep in mind that these could change at a moment’s notice.
Traction Tires Required: All passenger vehicles must have approved traction tires. Chains are required on all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds, including large passenger trucks, SUVs, and RVs.
Approved traction tires must have at least one-eighth inch of tread and be labeled M+S, All Season, or have a Mountain/Snowflake symbol. These tires can be used year-round. When approved chains are installed, any tire becomes a traction tire.
Tire Chains Required: All vehicles must have approved tire chains, except four- and all- wheel-drive vehicles. Violators face a $500 fine.
Four-wheel-drive (4WD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles must still carry chains during this advisory level or face a violation and fine. (Washington Administrative Code 204-24-050).
Chains Required On All Vehicles: During extreme weather, all vehicles must install chains when this is posted—even 4WD/AWD vehicles.
4WD/AWD and Chains:
4WD/AWD vehicles (under 10,000 pounds) do not need chains installed during “chains required” notices, but drivers still must carry chains with them in case conditions worsen and they are required to install chains during a “chains required on all vehicles” notice.
Some vehicles cannot accommodate chains and must use one of the WSP-approved “alternative traction devices” to satisfy chain requirements. These textile tire covers are also called “snow socks.” More details can be found at the WSDOT’s Vehicle and Equipment Requirements page under the “traction tires” section.
Studded Tires:
Studded tires do not satisfy Washington State chain requirements. If chains are required on your vehicle, they must be installed, even on studded tires.
Washington allows studded tires from November 1 through March 31 only. There is no individual exception to the studded tire dates, and violators face a $136 fine. The WSDOT may extend the deadline if forecasts indicate that severe winter weather conditions are likely across much of the state.
What To Carry in Your Vehicle:
It is always best to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Stories abound about motorists being stranded in freezing weather for hours or occasionally even days. A little extra precaution could make the difference between a safe and relatively comfortable inconvenience or a miserable (and potentially dangerous) ordeal.
Make sure that your vehicle’s battery, belts, hoses, radiator, lights, brakes, heater/defroster, and wipers are properly maintained to ensure their reliability during winter travel. Fill up your gas tank when you start a trip and be sure to have a full or nearly full tank when driving across mountain passes or other areas where you may encounter unexpected delays.
The WSDOT has a checklist of recommended things to carry in your vehicle “because you never know when you will encounter winter weather or emergency road closure.”
Check the Conditions Before You Travel:
The following resources provide current road and weather conditions for Washington roadways. It is a good idea to check these in advance of travel so that you can make appropriate preparations or change your travel plans as necessary.
- Get updates about current road and weather conditions on your mobile device via the WSDOT app. Type “WSDOT” in Google play or the App Store to download the WSDOT app.
- Get traffic information and view traffic cam feeds, including mountain pass conditions, at https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/.
- Call 511 for travel information and mountain pass conditions.
- Program your radio to WSDOT’s Highway Advisory Radio: 530 AM and 1610 AM.
Winter Driving Tips:
- Allow extra time to reach your destination. If your timing is flexible, consider scheduling your travel when road conditions are likely to be most favorable.
- Drive for conditions: drive at slower speeds, accelerate more gradually, leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you, and give yourself more time and space to stop.
- Turn on your headlights, even in the daytime.
- Do not use cruise control.
- Leave extra room between vehicles. 4WD and AWD vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shaded areas (where ice is more likely to accumulate).
- Snowplow drivers have a limited field of vision. Stay back at least 15 car lengths until you are sure that it is safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road.
- Obey chain-up notices. Violators face a $500 fine. Many pass closures are due to slide-outs from drivers without proper equipment.
Resources:
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