San
Bernardino County - The snow
is here and driving in the winter terrain can be challenging.
Caltrans, California
Highway Patrol (CHP), U.S. Forest Service, San Bernardino
County Sheriff, San Bernardino County Fire and the Big
Bear Lake Resort Association have compiled winter driving
tips for motorists who plan to travel to the mountains
during the winter season.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS:
• Keep three car lengths away from the vehicle in front of
you. The distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long
as you would need to brake.
•
NEVER brake suddenly while driving on ice - use brakes
lightly.
• If you are required to put chains on, look for a turnout
or find a safe area to pull over to the right side of the
road out of the flow of traffic. DO NOT STOP IN THE MIDDLE
OF THE ROADWAY TO PUT CHAINS ON.
• Black ice remains on the roadway that is not subject to
direct sunlight. Be careful when driving into shady areas
and cautiously slow your vehicle on approach.
•
If you go into a skid, special maneuvering is required.
In a Front Wheel Drive, when your car begins to slide,
slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, until you
feel your wheels regain traction - do not brake!
As your tires grab the road, slowly turn the steering wheel
in the direction you want your front wheels to go. In a
Rear Wheel Drive vehicle, when you start to spin, remove
your foot from the gas pedal and slowly steer in the direction
you want the car to go. If you are still skidding, counter-steer
until your vehicle is pointing in the right direction.
Never apply steady pressure to the brakes.
• Make sure you can see out all windows of your vehicle before
you drive.
• Use your low beams when driving in fog, ice or snowstorms.
• Reduce your speed before you approach a turn. Avoid sudden
acceleration or deceleration. Travel gently, meaning move
slowly, turn slowly, and brake slowly. Sudden changes can
cause a skid.
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• Be especially aware of your surroundings, including other
drivers that may be losing control on the roadway. The
posted speed limit may be 45-mph, however, that does not
mean 45-mph is a safe speed for the conditions.
• When driving uphill pick a path that will allow the most
traction.
•
Make sure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated.
Chains may be required in mountain areas so plan ahead.
Make sure you install the chains on the drive tires. Refer
to your vehicle's manual or contact your dealer if
you are unsure if your vehicle is two wheel or rear wheel
drive. It is crucial to put the chains on the proper tires.
• Carry emergency supplies, including: food, water, warm
clothing, blankets, medication and a cell phone.
• Caltrans maintenance crews work continuously day and night
using de-icing agents to keep the roadways clear for travelers.
Please be patient and courteous while Caltrans crews work
to keep the roads clear.
• Be courteous to other drivers and be aware of driving conditions
before you make your trip.
CHAIN CONTROL REQIREMENT LEVELS:
W: No Restrictions - Watch for snow on pavement.
R-1: Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (trucks
or buses). All other vehicles
(cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) must have either snow tread
tires or chains on the drive axle.
R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel
drives with snow tread tires.
Four wheel drive vehicles must carry chains in the vehicle.
R-3: Chains required - ALL VEHICLES - no exceptions.
Snow chains can be purchased at retail department stores,
sporting goods, and auto parts stores. Mountain weather
can change dramatically on very short notice. For current
road conditions, call Caltrans Public Affairs at (909)
383-4631 or Road Conditions at (800) 427-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).
You may also check our website at www.dot.ca.gov./dist8
for road information and closures.
