In the first week of December, Southern California was hit by a winter storm of rain and gusty winds. Snow was expected to fall at elevations above 3,000 feet. The strong winds along the Grapevine were expected to reach 65 mph, causing farmers to work tirelessly to protect their crops. In fact, many area residents were unprepared on how to handle the sudden wintery storm.

Winter driving tips

Winter weather can make roads impassable, decrease visibility and create hazardous highway conditions. Even Southern California residents need to be prepared, especially those traveling to vacation spots in higher elevations in Utah, Nevada or northern California. Following are some tips on how to drive in icy and snowy conditions:

• Keep your windshield, headlights and parking lights clear so that you can see and other drivers can see you.
• Turn on your lights.
• Turn off your cruise control when driving in snowy or icy conditions.
• Drive slowly and allow three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Use low gears to maintain good traction.
• Press your brakes gently to avoid skidding.
• Travel with extra caution on bridges and overpasses because they freeze more quickly than other roadways.
• Do not pass sanding trucks or snow plows because the road in front of them is usually much worse and the trucks kick up so much snow and road mess that visibility drops significantly.
• Assume that your car — even a four-wheel-drive vehicle — cannot travel properly.

When driving in hazardous conditions, enhancing visibility is extremely important. Before departing on your trip, check your headlights and de-ice all of your windows. Tire pressure drops with the temperature, so make sure that your tires are fully inflated. Furthermore, extreme cold weather can be harder on you than it is on your car. Be prepared and do not leave home without a few blankets, food, drinks and a car emergency kit.

Serving the San Diego, California area for years, your California car accident attorney for the Gilleon Law Firm, APC can help you recover what you deserve if you have been involved in a winter weather car crash.  For a free consultation, call our office today.