San Bernardino, California – The recent snowfall in the San Bernardino Mountains has transformed the landscape into a winter paradise, attracting visitors seeking snow adventures. However, there is a warning of potential accidents in San Bernardino due to snowy conditions on mountain roads.
On Highway 18 in Running Springs, several vehicles were forced to make abrupt stops to avoid collisions, leading to a traffic jam. The traffic chaos stemmed from a collision between two vehicles. In another incident in Lake Arrowhead, a vehicle lost control, colliding with a snowplow traveling in the opposite direction.
Caltrans District 8 took proactive measures by establishing checkpoints and implementing R2 chain control. This measure requires vehicles without four-wheel drive to be equipped with chains on their tires to ensure safety on slippery roads.
While some areas, like Snow Summit, received 3 to 4 inches of snow, others, like Wrightwood, lifted chain restrictions. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the region remains under a winter weather advisory until 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Despite the challenges, snow enthusiasts have found moments of joy. A group from Sequoia shared their journey to Big Bear, emphasizing the importance of tire chains in facing the weather conditions.
Ernesto Mendoza, one of the adventurers, expressed, “Despite the rain on the journey, we arrived here, and we will enjoy the snow. We will go sledding and have snowball fights.”
A tow truck driver noted that the cost of towing from the mountain is approximately $300 for those without services like AAA or a trusted tow truck driver.
While the snow transforms the San Bernardino Mountains into a charming winter setting, drivers must be prepared to face challenges on the roads and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.