Big Bear Lake, CA
Winter driving in the mountains brings special challenges, especially for tourists not used to it.
Below are winter driving tips acquired from The National Safety Council:
1. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and
you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind. Give
them room.
2. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at
least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
3. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
4. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
5. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
6. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
7. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive.
8. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will
freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might
encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
9. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel
drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
10. Pack a winter safety kit. Include blankets or sleeping bags, water, food, candles,
matches, kitty litter, ice scraper, a radio and batteries, and a rope. Pack extra medication
and store the kit so it is reachable
