Prevent injuries, stay alert: Check your tread before you spring forward

As Oregonians set their clocks ahead an hour this weekend, it's a great time to test their tread—on both their shoes and their tires. SAIF, ODOT and OSP encourage everyone to spring forward safely and check tread correctly.

Slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of injury for Oregon workers. One way Oregonians can help prevent injuries is by wearing shoes that are in good condition, with good tread.

Workers should check their shoe soles often-one way to remember is to check them when you fall back or spring forward. Replace your shoes when the worn-out, smooth part on the sole of your shoe is bigger than two pennies. Download a poster to share with your company.

Tires with worn tread or improper inflation can cause deadly crashes. In fact, tires are the single most important mechanical component of vehicle control and safe driving. Learn what to look for on the Oregon State Police tire tread website. If you see a wear bar, the tread has fallen to 2/32 of an inch; this is designed to tell you it's time to replace your tires.

In a pinch? Use a penny! Insert one into the tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires. Either way, this weekend, spring forward and check your tread.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work.

About ODOT and OSP

The Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police are partners in working toward zero serious injuries and fatalities on the transportation system, because it takes all of us working together. Please, be alert, be smart and watch out for each other.