The California Vehicle Code surprisingly has no statutes governing driving on roads that are covered with snow or ice. The closest statute might be CVC 22350 which prohibits driving at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent considering traffic, the weather, visibility and the road surface or width. Some Californians have never seen any form of precipitation on roadways other than water from rain. When that precipitation turns to snow or ice on a roadway, driving can be downright hazardous.
California DMV Advice
The 2021 California Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Handbook advises drivers that if they encounter packed snow on a roadway, they should cut their speed in half. If they encounter ice on a roadway, drivers are encouraged to slow down to a crawl. That’s because speed limits are based on normal conditions. In packed snow conditions, you’re not able to travel as fast as you are normally able to, even if you have four-wheel drive. That four-wheel drive will be of little or no help at all in controlling your vehicle on ice. If you’re going to be on snow or ice under either road condition, be sure to maintain a safe interval between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
Some Winter Driving Safety Suggestions
If you’re from La Jolla, you may not have ever encountered winter driving conditions. Here’s what safe drivers up in Northern California recommend:
- Buckle up before putting your car in gear and stay bucked up.
- Slow down. Remember that speed limits are for ideal conditions and not for snow and ice.
- Maintain an adequate interval between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Forget that cruise control exists. You must be in control oef your vehicle at all times.
- Leave a little earlier. Your trip is going to take longer.
- Drive with your headlights on at low beam.
- Be on the lookout for black ice. It appears as if it’s shiny new asphalt.
- Four-wheel drive is a great option, but still observe the above suggestions.
What to do if You Start to Skid
If you start to skid, remain calm and don’t panic. If your foot is on the accelerator, take it off, but don’t hit the brakes. Let your engine gear down and steer toward the direction that you want your vehicle to go in.
Speak to a California Personal Injury Lawyer
Some Californians might live to be a ripe old age and never see snow and ice for as long as they live. Others might experience it occasionally when they travel north. It takes some experience to get used to driving on snow and ice on the roadway. Even veteran drivers can be surprised by sudden patches of snow or ice. If you’ve been injured by somebody who failed to maintain control of their vehicle on snow or ice, contact us here at Maison Law for a free confidential consultation and case evaluation. If we’re retained to represent you, no legal fees at all are even due unless we obtain a settlement or award for you. Always remember that as a driver, you can be the best safety feature that your vehicle has.
