Coming Winter Weather Will Mean Challenges for Region's Drivers

The weather may not have felt like it over the weekend in Southern California, but winter is right around the corner.

And for Southern Californians, that means driving in hazardous conditions that they may not be used to driving in, including rain and snow.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of rain by Wednesday night. And if it gets cold enough, that means the mountain resorts will start to see an uptick in visitors driving up to play in the snow.

And with more people heading up to the mountains, it means more chances of things going terribly wrong for any driver not prepared.

As such, Caltrans has prepared some tips for drivers, so they can get home safe after a day up in the mountains.

• First –- fill up your gas tank.
• Bring chains –- even if it is not snowing. Mountain weather is unpredictable and changes without warning. Always be prepared.
• Bring water, food, warm clothing, sturdy shoes/boots, and necessary medications.
• Bring a charged cell phone and your cell phone charger for your vehicle. Bring a flashlight or battery operated radio just in case.
• Make sure your tires are in good condition and your vehicle is running well.
• If you wish to install your own chains, use the chain control areas or turnouts close to chain control locations -- NEVER block the roadway or put chains on next the road or shoulder.
• Use the Caltrans permitted chain installers at convenient turnout locations. They will have a yellow bib with an official Caltrans Encroachment Permit. Do not allow nonpermitted chain installers to put chains on your vehicle -- for your safety and others.
• Never play in the snow next to the roadway – it is dangerous for you, your kids, and other motorists. Don’t allow sleds to slide onto the road.
• Don’t have fires or barbeque along the highways or in the turnouts.
• Always park in a safe location or turnout. Watch for “no parking” signs -- you don’t want to get a ticket, get towed, or have an unfortunate accident.
• Make room for Caltrans equipment, CHP vehicles and all emergency responders. Stay clear of snow plows.
• Take your trash with you (including diapers).
• Slow down, bring patience and be courteous. Use turnouts if you are holding up traffic.
• Never drink and drive.

If you are planning to head up to the mountains and are wondering about road conditions, you can check out the interactive map on the Caltrans website. For other road conditions, you can call 511 while in the Inland Empire, or visit the 511 website.