Winter travel in the Central Valley can mean a number of things. Because of the Valley’s close proximity to mountains, winter means play in the snow, but it also brings the thick fog that clouds the roads in the Valley. There are dangers with both mountain and val-
ley driving, but with some preparation, drivers can be safe this season.
Mountain Driving
We love to pack our vehicles and venture into the mountains for a day of hiking, skiing, or recreation. However, many drivers are completely unprepared for road conditions and hazards.
At higher elevations, the roads can become covered in snow and ice, making travel difficult or impossible. Because of this, the California Highway Patrol encourages drivers to check their tires and “make sure they are properly inflated and that the tread is in good condition.”
When traveling in snowy conditions, drivers need to carry chains in their vehicles. Depending on the vehicle, these chains can fit on either the front or back tires, making it possible to drive over snow-covered roads. Chains are one of the most important tools during winter travel, so the CHP requires that drivers “stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate that chains are required.”
Chains are not useful if you don’t know how to put them on. The CHP encourages drivers to practice putting on their chains during good weather, so that the first attempt is not on a snowy mountain pass.
“You can be cited by the California Highway Patrol for not using chains. You usually have about a mile between a Chains Required sign and a CHP checkpoint to install your chains,” according to the CHP’s
web page on winter travel. What happens, though, if you remember your chains and how to
install them, but the weather suddenly changes? At higher elevations, this is a common occurrence, leaving drivers stranded on the side of the road without a way back down. If this occurs, do not panic, the CHP advises.
“Take along water, food, blankets, and extra clothing. If you are delayed for a long period of time, these items may become a necessity.” Also, it would be wise to carry a shovel, a broom and a bag of sand; these may sound like strange items to carry in your car, but the broom can be used to brush off the windows, the shovel can be used to dig away excess snow after a lengthy delay, and the sand “provides
traction if your wheels become stuck in the snow.” The California Highway Patrol has responded to numerous calls of
unprepared drivers who have gotten into trouble on wintry roads. Whether or not you encounter a worst-case scenario, the most important thing to remember, according to the CHP website, is to use
common sense. “Slow down,” the website warns. “The posted speed limit is
meant for dry conditions, but when the roads are covered in snow and ice, driving the speed limit can be dangerous. Leave a larger distance between you and the other car. You don’t want to slam on your brakes, which can cause your vehicle to spin.”
This is especially true when the roads are covered in black ice, which is not immediately noticeable. If your car hits a patch of black ice, your chances of sliding increase dramatically. If this happens to you, stay calm. Do not try to overcorrect the spin; instead, take your foot off
the gas pedal and complete the spin. There is no guarantee that once your car starts spinning you will be able to navigate without causing an accident, but slamming the brakes and trying to correct the spin will only exacerbate the problem.
Valley Driving
Of course, winter driving is not only limited to snowy roads and mountain terrain. The Valley can be a dangerous place to drive as well, because many drivers underestimate the hazardous conditions on the freeways and roads.
Although the Central Valley is arid, during the winter months there are rainy days. Because drivers spend the majority of the year driving in dry conditions, this sudden change can be dangerous.
When it first begins to rain, the CHP warns, the roads will be slick. When the rain combines with oil and dirt on the street, tires lose trac- tion. Unlike black ice or snow, these slick spots won’t necessarily cause drivers to slide, but braking will become increasingly difficult and drivers may fishtail or spin if they drive too quickly. Again, use common sense. Allow extra time when taking a trip. Drive more slowly than the posted speed limit. Leave an extra car-length between vehicles.
During heavy rainfall, drivers should leave even more room between vehicles. Visibility can be affected, even if you have new windshield wipers—which are essential. Also, if a vehicle is moving too quickly over water-covered roads, hydroplaning—skimming along the surface of the road without traction—becomes a distinct possibility.
The Central Valley also has its own brand of hazardous winter weather: fog. Fog has been responsible for numerous crashes on roads and highways in the Valley. In November 2007, fog was the primary cause of a 100-car pile-up just south of Fresno that resulted in the deaths of two people.
When the fog settles in, visibility drops anywhere from a few hun- dred yards to a foot. This makes driving incredibly dangerous, which is why it is critical that drivers follow certain rules while out on the road.
The CHP advises drivers to slow down and use their low beams rather than high beams. High beams only reflect off the fog, creating a white wall.
“Keep an eye on your speedometer. When you’re driving in fog, most of the time you’re staring at the road and don’t pay attention to your speed. Also, the fog can give you the impression that you’re driving in slow-motion.”
The CHP has taken a number of steps to ensure driver safety dur- ing the winter season. Pace cars are often deployed along the freeways, guiding drivers safely along particularly hazardous stretches of road. Additionally, the CHP and CalTrans have developed the Fog Pilot Pro- gram, a system of weather and traffic sensors, cameras and signs that alert drivers to dense fog areas. The hope is that this new program will reduce the number of collisions that result from heavy fog conditions.
Even with new technology, chains, and CHP oversight, the key to safe winter travel will always remain with the drivers themselves. According to the CHP, if there is one important rule to follow this winter season, it is this: Slow down and reach your destination safely.