Winter driving safety for trucks in Oregon

Oct. 10, 2025, 8:01 p.m.
When you’re operating a commercial vehicle in Oregon during the winter, the stakes are higher — because of the terrain, variable weather, challenging passes, chain laws, and large-vehicle dynamics. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to stay safe and compliant.
Winter driving safety for trucks in Oregon

1. Pre-Trip Preparation & Vehicle Readiness

  • Always check road and weather conditions before departure. ODOT recommends using TripCheck or dialing 511 for updates.  

  • Ensure your truck is properly equipped:

    • Tire condition and inflation: tread depth, no obvious damage.  

    • Brakes, lights, windshield wipers, defroster all functioning.  

    • Carry chains or have approved traction devices. Oregon’s chain law applies when signposted.  

  • Plan fuel, rest stops, emergency kit. ODOT advises a full tank and supplies in case of delays.  

  • Know your route: Mountain passes and shaded roads freeze faster; be aware of steep grades, shaded bridges, and potential closures. 

2. Traction Devices & Chain Laws for Trucks

  • The Oregon chain law is in effect when “Snow Zone” or “Chains Required” signage is posted. Chains—or other approved traction devices—must be used by commercial vehicles when required.  

  • Failure to comply can result in fines and may lead to being removed from service (especially for commercial vehicles).  

  • Note: Shaded areas, bridges, and concrete highway surfaces freeze first — deploying chains proactively before problems escalate is wise.  

3. Driving Techniques & On-Road Safety for Trucks

  • Slow down: On slick or icy roads, reduce speed significantly below posted limits to match conditions.  

  • Increase following distance: For heavy trucks, stopping distance increases even more on slick surfaces. Bridges freeze early: approach cautiously.  

  • Avoid cruise control: Especially dangerous on slippery roads because it reduces your ability to respond.  

  • Braking and steering: If wheels lock or vehicle starts to “float” (lose traction) ease off throttle and brakes; steer smoothly. Sudden movements increase risk of jackknife.  

  • Visibility and awareness: Heavy snow, blowing snow, fog reduce visibility. Use low beams. Be extra cautious of snowplows or sanders — do not pass on the right.  

  • Brake on long downgrades: Maintain control, use engine braking if available, keep speed manageable to avoid runaway situations.

  • Be especially cautious when approaching:

    • Mountain passes

    • Shaded curves and off-ramps

    • Bridges/overpasses (they freeze first)
       

4. Managing Delays, Closures & Emergency Conditions

  • Expect slower traffic, possible closures during/after storms. One crash or jack-knife of a truck can block a highway for hours.  

  • If conditions deteriorate, consider delaying departure or finding a safe stop. Fatigued driving in bad weather is highly risky.  

  • Maintain an emergency kit: blankets, water, food, shovel, extra fuel/DEF (for your truck), traction aids. 

5. Specific Considerations for Commercial Trucks

  • Because of their size and weight, trucks require more distance, and the consequences of error are greater. ODOT notes that when a large truck fails to comply (e.g., chains), it can impact dozens or hundreds of other travelers.  

  • Routes used by freight often traverse high-elevation passes (like those on Interstate 84, Interstate 5, etc) where chain requirements and sudden weather changes are common. 

  • In severe conditions, even if the route is “open,” the required traction equipment or reduced speed may apply — verify the signage and posted requirements.

  • Ensure your company dispatches allow flexibility for weather-related delays. Prevention of accidents is by far better than reaction.

✅ Quick Winter Safety Checklist for Truckers

  • Check TripCheck/511 for current route conditions.

  • Ensure truck equipment: tires, brakes, lights, chains.

  • Know if you’re entering a “Snow Zone” or chain-required area.

  • Adjust speed, avoid cruise.

  • Allow long stopping distances, avoid sudden moves.

  • Stay well back from snowplows/sanders; do not pass on the right.

  • Be prepared to stop or hold in safe location when weather turns.

  • Carry emergency kit and ensure communication devices are charged.