Get a grip on winter driving advice

Don’t blame it all on transplanted Californians.

Born-and-bred Inland Northwest residents are just as capable of causing winter road mayhem.

Local law enforcement and transportation officials are hoping education now will lower the number of slide-offs, fender benders and serious accidents later.

On average, the first snowfall brings more than 200 crashes in Spokane County alone, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies advise drivers to check their tires, brakes, lights and other equipment.

For those who are willing to put up with catcalls from the anti- crowd, studded snow tires are now legal in Idaho and will be legal in Washington starting Nov. 1.

Four-wheel drive is better at getting drivers out of ditches than keeping them from sliding into them, said Idaho State Police Capt. Wayne Longo.

“Don’t get overconfident with your equipment,” he said. “It’s the driving behavior and attitude that keep you safe.”

Key factors are increasing the space between your vehicle and the one in front of you, slowing down and wearing a seat belt, just in case. Longo said people often complain that when they leave more space in front of them, other cars squeeze in. “Just back off some more,” he advised. In other words, don’t let driving become a competitive sport.

Two ISP winter driving classes are full, but another will be offered Dec. 2, Longo said. For information, call (208) 772-6055.

Chaining up

Those who find themselves traveling over mountain passes this winter might consider carrying tire chains.

Last winter, Snoqualmie Pass conditions prompted chain requirements 11 times on both the eastbound and westbound lanes for a total of more than 60 hours each way, said Washington State Department of Transportation spokeswoman Alice Fiman.

Traction tires were required about 40 times in each direction for a total of more than 225 hours each way.

Those who are all thumbs when it comes to installing chains will now have some help on Snoqualmie and Stevens passes. Transportation officials have authorized chain-up service at points on Interstate 90 and Highway 2, where state-approved installers will do the job for $5 to $25.

Near nature, near work

A commuting study released last week by the Transportation Research Board shows just how lucky many Inland Northwest residents may be.

The number of Americans with commutes longer than 60 minutes grew by about 50 percent from 1990 to 2000. One hour will get you pretty far in this area, even during rush hour.

Slow going

Interstate 90

The westbound Interstate 90 Maple Street exit will be closed 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday.

I-90 traffic will be reduced to one or two lanes near the Broadway interchange for a bridge inspection Sunday. The work will start at 6 a.m. on the westbound side and then move to the eastbound lanes.

Downtown Spokane

Post Street is closed between the Post Street Bridge and Spokane Falls Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

North Spokane

Wheelchair ramps are being installed on Monroe Street from Francis to where Monroe intersects with Wall near Holy Cross Cemetery. Expect delays.

The Maple Street Bridge will have periodic single lane closures through the end of October for painting and other maintenance work.

Rutter Parkway and Highway 291 work continues at Nine Mile Falls. There may be delays and single-lane traffic at times.

West Dennison-Chattaroy Road is closed from Highway 395 to Perry Road for striping.

West Plains

Hayford Road is under construction from Highway 2 to Sprague Avenue.

South Spokane

Highway 195 construction between Rosalia and Plaza is causing delays and single lane traffic at times.

Bernard Street is now open between 14th and 29th avenues.

Freya Street remains closed from 11th to 18th avenues, but it is scheduled to reopen by the end of the week.

Spokane sweeping

Crews will sweep in the northeast from Crestline to Division between Francis and Westview, and from Hatch Road to Fancher Way between Second Avenue and Trent; and on the south side, from Water Avenue to Sixth Avenue between Eagle Ridge Lane and Monroe Street.

Please move cars off the streets. For more information, call (509) 456-2666.

Spokane Valley

Indiana is closed from Arc to Barker Road for utility work.

Valleyway is closed from Sullivan to Conklin through Friday.

Boone is closed from Pines to Perrine through Friday.

Idaho

Pleasantview Road near Lochsa will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers, starting today and lasting until Nov. 1.