CHENEY – If anything, the multi-vehicle pileup that blocked both lanes of Interstate 90 between the Geiger and Medical Lake interchanges for hours Nov. 26 provided a sterling example of the need to be prepared for anything when driving — especially during winter.
Motorists not caught up in the chaos faced hours of sitting in traffic waiting for the highway to reopen — a situation that could lead to unique challenges when the weather turns bad.
“Still haven’t moved 3 miles in 2 hours 30 minutes now... stuck in this traffic,” Amy Sorenson wrote on the Cheney Free Press’s Facebook page while waiting for the interstate to clear up.
Sorenson was within walking distance — albeit somewhat long — of services should she have needed them. If the same situation had taken place further from a metropolitan area, such a long wait or longer could have caused problems under winter weather conditions — which is one of the reasons the Washington State Department of Transportation recommends motorists fill up their tank often, particularly on long trips.
Other items listed in the department’s “What to Carry in Your Car” list are a first aid kit, a cellphone charger, water and snacks, boots, gloves and warm clothes along with jumper cables and tire chains. Also recommended are flares, music and games to pass the time, ice scraper/snow brush and a flashlight.
WSDOT also recommends checking road conditions before heading out — “know before you go.” This can be done online at wsdot.com.traffic, by downloading the department’s mobile app or following regional and pass accounts via Twitter or the agency’s Facebook page.
If traveling across state, plan for extra time when crossing mountain passes, especially heavily traveled routes such as Snoqualmie, Stevens or White passes. Motorists should make sure they are carrying chains and have proper traction requirements when traveling through passes.
“Most pass closures are due to spin outs or crashes from vehicles traveling too fast or not having proper winter equipment,” WSDOT maintenance operations manager James Morin said in an Oct. 23 press release. “Preparing early and staying informed about conditions and restrictions can help keep traffic moving during storms.”
The Washington State Patrol provides an online list of approved alternative-traction devices that meet state traction requirements. Failure to obey a tire chains sign can mean a ticket up to $500, and special chain enforcement patrols will be keeping an eye on mountain passes this winter.
By law, studded tires are legal for use in Washington state only from Nov. 1 – March 31. This applies to all vehicles in Washington, even those traveling from other states. No personal exemptions or waivers exist.
John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].
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