Oregon Chain laws drive me nuts!!!
Alas the last 3 1/2 weeks have been eventful. Left Seattle right after Thanksgiving during the snow storm we had up here and went over Snoqualmie Pass, just packed snow and snowing up there. A little slick so speeds about 35-40 mph to be safe. After an hour roads were clear. Got down to Oregon I84 East, got to the bottom of Cabbage. Chains required on vehicles over 10,000 gvw. So being the complient driver I am stop chain up. 15 miles of dry road later I am wondering what the ???? Finally a little snow on the road, about a tenth of what they had on Snoqualmie. 50 miles later I get to take off the chains.
Coming back on Friday get to Cabbage westbound, once again Chain laws in effect. Chain up and find roads are clear and wet. 36 degrees and no ice, used up a whole bottle of windshield solvent. Call Oregon DOT, they removed the requirment for chains.
This makes me curious, I understand chain laws are to be placed in effect to ensure safety for all but I find that Oregon throws there chain laws in effect anytime it snows, even if the roads are clear. Is this to ensure that DOT have roads to repair in the future or what?
Am I missing something, can anyone fill me in on what they are thinking sometimes.
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