Driving Tips to Survive the Winter
Get to the Slopes Safely: Winter Driving Tips
A lot of people have the misconception that winter driving in Tahoe is all about chains and treachery. That's not true - chains are mostly required only during active snow storms, and sometimes for a few days after in higher elevation neighborhoods/off the main roads. But, as you've read on the Caltrans leaderboards, "Weather can be unpredictable; carry chains" (unless you have an AWD vehicle with snow tires). Here are some tips for driving in the mountains.
- Check the weather forecast. The National Weather Service (NOAA) for the greater Lake Tahoe area is very reliable, as is Weather Underground. For longer range forecasts, try the Tahoe Daily Snow Report. Bryan Allegretto at OpenSnow.com is all about giving hope to the multitudes who are praying for snow (but with no candy coating; he’s usually very accurate). If you see winter storm warnings, it’s best to drive to Tahoe before or after the storms are predicted. And if the NOAA issues a blizzard warning and says to stay home, you should do it and drive later.
- Check the road conditions. Caltrans has frequently updated maps of traffic in the greater Lake Tahoe area and also traffic videos in key intersections along the way, so you can see the road conditions, weather, and traffic for yourself. Pre-program the number for Caltrans Highway Information Network in your cell phone: 800-427-7623. It’s updated as conditions change and is voice-activated for safety and convenience.
- Make sure your car is well maintained. Check that your brakes and tires are in good condition and check the tire pressure. You probably should replace your windshield fluid – often it is diluted with water and will freeze when you try to use it in cold conditions. Make sure your gas tank is full before heading into the mountains.
- Carry chains and know which wheels to put them on. You’d be surprised how many people put chains on the front wheels of their car when they have a rear-wheel drive vehicle. It’s not a no-brainer – not always the front. If you don’t know, google the make and model of your car to find out. Chains on the wrong wheels do you no good.
- Carry winter emergency travel supplies:
- ice scraper/de-icer and broom
- shovel
- sand, cat litter, or burlap sack for traction if stuck
- extra food and water
- flashlight/road flare
- warm blanket and extra clothes
- Drive slowly. It’s more difficult to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. Increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
- Test your brakes. Know whether your vehicle has an antilock brake system and learn how to use it properly. Antilock brake systems prevent your wheels from locking up during braking. If you have antilock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. If you don’t have antilock brakes, you may need to pump your brakes if you feel your wheels starting to lock up. If you’re on an icy road on a straightaway with no cars around, give your brakes a test. It’s much safer to see how they’ll react when you can easily correct than with other cars around.
- Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside it. Yes, they are traveling painfully slowly, but they also make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. You don’t want to tangle with a snow plow.
- Don’t get out of your car unless absolutely necessary. This is a “for god’s sake!” one. People are killed because they pulled over in an unsafe place. Remember, visibility is bad and roads are icy – nobody wants to hit you, but it may be beyond their control. If you’re stopped because everyone else is or in an emergency situation, use extreme caution and get back in your vehicle as quickly as possible. If it’s not an emergency, it’s much better to have that chain smacking against the underside of your car for another mile until you can pull of at an exit than to risk being hit on the side of the road.
- If you are stopped for a long period of time, don’t run your car the whole time with the windows up. This is rare, but asphyxiation is a concern. If you must run your vehicle, make sure you aren’t backed up against a wall of snow (your exhaust pipe) and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm.
Once you’ve made it to Tahoe, unless it’s still dumping, chances are you won’t need your chains. Caltrans is very good about clearing and sanding the roads. Be sure to remove chains in a safe spot. Slow down and enjoy your time in the snow!