Key Takeaways
- The risks of driving in Lake Tahoe during the winter include icy roads, reduced visibility, and unpredictable drivers.
- Properly preparing your vehicle, checking weather and road conditions, and adjusting your driving habits can help ensure a safer journey.
- If you’re injured in a winter car accident, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Few places on the West Coast are as beautiful as Lake Tahoe during the winter, with heavy snowfall transforming the landscape into a frozen wonderland each year. However, all of that cold weather can also make for some difficult driving conditions. If you’re planning on visiting the Lake Tahoe area for the first time to indulge in skiing and other seasonal activities, it’s critical to be aware of the potential risks for accidents and prepare both yourself and your vehicle ahead of time.
What Are the Risks of Winter Driving in Lake Tahoe?
Driving in Lake Tahoe during winter comes with unique challenges that demand extra caution. From icy roads and limited visibility to unpredictable drivers, understanding the risks can help keep you and your passengers safe.
Reduced Visibility
Lake Tahoe receives hundreds of inches of snowfall each year, and foggy conditions are especially common during the winter months. Both of these can make the road, and other drivers, surprisingly difficult to see. Daylight hours are also shorter during this season, making it more likely that you will be doing some nighttime driving, which can be especially dangerous when combined with adverse weather.
Ice
Icy roads are another significant risk when driving to Lake Tahoe in winter. Black ice, a thin layer of transparent ice that blends with the road surface, is a particular danger in the region. Driving over ice without chains or winter tires can lead to a sudden loss of traction, which may cause you to run off the road or collide with another vehicle or object.
Other Drivers
Much like driving during any other time of year, the behavior of others on the road is always a risk. Those who have little to no experience with winter driving may drive too fast, or they might be overly cautious. Because of this, it’s important to be especially vigilant of other vehicles and be prepared to react quickly and appropriately.
Winter Tips for Driving to Lake Tahoe
Following these essential tips—from prepping your vehicle to staying safe in an emergency—will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through Lake Tahoe.
Prepare Your Vehicle
You should always prep your vehicle before it snows. Take care of basic maintenance, such as oil changes, topping off antifreeze levels, and, if necessary, replacing worn-out tires. You should also verify that your vehicle’s lights, windshield wipers, brakes, and defroster are in good working condition. Cold weather can affect battery performance, too, so have it tested before the temperatures dip below freezing.
It’s also wise to equip your vehicle with an emergency bag, just in case you get stranded. At minimum, this should include the following items:
- A flashlight
- Blankets
- Food
- Water
- A first-aid kit
You should also consider adding road flares to your kit. If you get stranded on the edge of a roadway, you can use the flares to signal your position to other drivers and reduce the chances that someone will strike your car.
Check the Weather
Always check the weather forecast for your area before departing. There are plenty of great resources available, including the National Weather Service and local news sites. You can also follow local news stations on social media. Remember that road conditions can change quickly, so look at both the hourly and daily forecasts on the day of your trip. If there will be heavy snowfall in the evening, you may want to get off the roads in the afternoon so you can avoid the harshest conditions.
Check for Chain Controls and Snow Plows
Before you hit the road, you can check if your route includes roads that require chains using the QuickMap feature on the California Department of Transportation’s website. Simply select “chain controls” under road conditions and search your area. The map also shows you which roads have active snow plows.
The California Highway Patrol’s Truckee office also provides chain control updates on their Instagram page. You can also find information on road closures, safety tips, and a few laughs on their feed.
Review Road Closures and Traffic
Unexpected road closures can be frustrating and add a considerable amount of time to your drive. To save yourself the hassle and ensure the safest drive possible, review road closures on the California Department of Transportation’s website (noted above). You can also access livestream footage of popular roads on the Truckee Chamber of Commerce website. There you can see video showing certain parts of I-80, Hwy. 89, downtown Truckee, and more.
Adjust Your Driving
While you may be eager to participate in Lake Tahoe winter activities, it is important to adjust your driving habits based on road conditions. If you do not feel comfortable driving in the current conditions, it is best to cancel your plans. Here are some other ways to keep yourself a little safer while driving in Lake Tahoe in the winter:
- Drive Slowly: Reduce your speed to compensate for slippery roads.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Steer, accelerate, and brake gently to maintain control of your vehicle.
- Increase Following Distance: Allow more space between your car and the vehicle ahead to give yourself ample time to react.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Take time to consider what you will do if you find yourself in an emergency situation. If you become stranded, place reflective triangles around your vehicle or activate your flares. After you have done that, get back inside your vehicle, especially if it is storming. Run the engine periodically to heat up the cabin, but do your best to conserve fuel. You should also be sure to check your tailpipe for blockages to avoid a buildup of carbon monoxide. Lastly, call for assistance and ride out the bad weather.
If the emergency situation involves a car crash, get yourself and your passengers to a safe place as quickly as possible. Call for help and do your best to stay warm until assistance arrives. Seek help at the Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee if you or a fellow passenger appears to require emergency treatment.
Lake Tahoe Winter Driving Conditions: FAQs
Are Car Accidents More Common in the Winter?
Car accidents aren’t necessarily more common in the winter than in other seasons. This is mainly because fewer drivers are on the road during adverse conditions. Despite this, driving during the winter still demands just as much, if not more, care due to the season’s unique road conditions.
What Should I Do if There Is a Snowplow on the Road?
If you encounter a snowplow on the road, maintain a safe following distance. They often travel well below the posted speed limit. Do not pass snow plows on the right, as they may be clearing snow to that side. Keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited visibility and may not see you. If and when it is safe to do so, pass on the left side.
Do I Need Tire Chains for Lake Tahoe?
Yes, tire chains are a great idea if you will be driving to Lake Tahoe in winter. In fact, chains are often required in certain areas during the peak winter months, even if your car has snow tires. Make sure you use tire chains if they are mandated so you can avoid fines and keep yourself safe.
Are the Roads in Lake Tahoe Sanded?
Yes, the roads in Lake Tahoe are sanded when conditions necessitate the practice. Sanding helps address black ice and snow accumulation. However, that does not mean there is zero risk involved in driving on winter roads. You will still need to look out for snow buildup and ice. Adjust your driving habits based on current conditions, and always remain aware of your surroundings.
Were You Injured in a Lake Tahoe Accident? Give Us a Call
Driving in Lake Tahoe in the winter involves a baseline level of risk. Despite your efforts to prepare, you could still be involved in a car accident and suffer serious injuries. When that happens, you need to partner with an experienced attorney who handles car accident claims.
The car accident attorneys at Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers can provide the guidance you need. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your situation. We will help you explore your options and identify the best course of action based on the unique circumstances of your case.
Article Sources
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National Weather Service
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ072 -
Caltrans
https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ -
CHP Truckee Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/chp_truckee/?hl=en -
Truckee Chamber of Commerce
https://truckee.com/explore-truckee/general-info/webcams/ -
GoTahoeNorth
https://www.gotahoenorth.com/road-conditions/ -
Tahoe Forest Health System
https://www.tfhd.com/locations/