Due to extreme winter snowstorms that have blanketed regions across California, CHP has closed down significant stretches of California highways like Donner Pass’s section of I-80 from Colfax to Nevada and Southern California’s I-5 Grapevine until conditions improve. This closure has left truckers and other commuters with no other option but to find different routes around the closed section of the highway or wait until it reopens. This closure aims to keep the motorists safe from these dangerous weather conditions. Below, we will cover why these weather conditions have resulted in these highway closures and tips to stay safe in the winter while driving.
Why are Highways Closed?
The main reasons for these highway closures are low visibility conditions, heavy snowfall, and icy roads. These three factors can be hazardous for motorists, especially while traveling at highway speeds. To check for updates on these road closures CLICK HERE.
Low visibility: Low visibility conditions may vary depending on the weather experienced. However, heavy snowfall or a blizzard in freezing conditions may create low visibility with large amounts of snowfall. This heavy snowfall may obscure a driver’s view of the roadway and possibly lead to an accident. To help prevent these kinds of accidents, people should avoid driving during these low visibility conditions. If travel cannot be avoided, drivers should exercise caution and avoid abrupt maneuvers and high speeds.
Heavy Snowfall: Heavy snowfall is dangerous for drivers because it can cause roads to become completely covered in snow. This heavy snowfall creates a traction issue for drivers and poses a hazard because there could be dangers in the roadways hidden from the driver’s view. To avoid traction issues, motorists can invest in four-wheel-drive vehicles, snow chains, or snow-rated tires. However, sometimes snowfall may be too heavy for safe travel. It is advised to avoid travel during extreme weather and wait for weather conditions to improve.
Icy roads: Icy roads are hazardous for drivers because ice can be tough to see while driving. Icy roads can cause vehicles even with four-wheel drive to slide out of control and crash. Icy buildup on the road may be almost invisible to drivers. When these conditions are present, often, roads will be forced to close until the ice melts away. One way to protect yourself from icy roads is to monitor the outside temperature levels. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit outside and there is rain or wet conditions, you may encounter frozen sections of roadway. Even if your vehicle is four-wheel drive, it may still not be safe to drive in these conditions.
If You Are Driving and Encounter Icy Roads, Remember these tips.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly: To avoid losing traction on icy roads, it’s essential to slow down gradually instead of abruptly. When accelerating, do so slowly and never speed during freezing conditions. When coming to a stop, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, gradually engage the brakes over a longer distance and slowly bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.
Increase your following distance: Increasing your following distance from other cars while driving gives you extra room if you need to make a sudden stop. Extending your vehicle’s following space while traveling on icy roads can also help prevent a sliding rear-end collision if traffic suddenly comes to a halt in freezing conditions.
Don’t stop your car if possible: Driving in freezing conditions can cause your tires to lose traction. This is especially true when stopping and starting to move your vehicle. It is recommended to avoid making stops and keep your vehicle’s inertia constant, especially when traveling uphill or at steep inclines.
Due to extreme weather and heavy snowfall experienced in California this winter, the California highway patrol has closed down stretches of highways and interstates. This closure comes during the time of winter where California’s higher elevation regions usually experience heavy snowfall, icy roads, and low visibility conditions. At Eason and Tambornini, A Law Corporation, our expert Sacramento car accident attorneys and Sacramento trucking accident attorneys recommend that those traveling during these weather conditions exercise extreme caution and abide by the recommended travel advisories.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident or trucking accident and have suffered a significant personal injury due to the actions of another driver, we want to help. Our qualified Sacramento car accident lawyers have years of experience dealing with car accidents and trucking accidents of all types and causes. Regardless of where the accident occurred, we want to hear from you. To take advantage of your FREE No-obligation attorney consultation today, give us a call us at 916-438-1819 or visit our website at capcitylaw.com to chat directly with an attorney.
