What To Do If You Get Stuck On The Grapevine

What To Do If You Get Stuck On The Grapevine

What is the Grapevine?
 
Caltrans says, “Most travelers think the portion of I-5 – called the Grapevine – begins at the north end of Castaic in the Santa Clarita Valley where the freeway begins a northerly climb at Parker Road. In addition, where the California Highway Patrol closes the freeway when snow or icy conditions northward prohibit safe travel. 
 
“But this is not where the actual Grapevine is located. What they would be traveling on, instead, is what is most commonly known as the beginning of the five-mile grade where I-5 sharply rises to the north at a grade of 5%. And the beginning of a 40 mile journey over the Tehachapi Mountains from northern Los Angeles County to the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County.”
 
However, for most California travelers it is more broadly known as the section of the 5 freeway that is most frequently impacted by severe weather that consistently catches drivers unprepared for winter driving conditions.
 

What To Do If You Get Stuck On The Grapevine

 
Driving in California can be hazardous for many reasons. However, extreme weather is not a common challenge California drivers expect to confront. However, grey skies cause intense weather and dangerous driving conditions – even in the golden state. 
 
This past winter, a section of the 5 Freeway known as the Grapevine – one of California’s most iconic and traveled routes – shut down due to a storm that affected a large portion of the state. This downpour of rain, hail and snow caused severe Grapevine weather conditions. As a result, many drivers and truckers were stranded on the road. 
 
If Grapevine weather conditions call for a possible freeway shut down, you will want to plan ahead. Sometimes, weather changes faster that travelers can predict, which can leave drivers and truckers trapped between road closures. If you travel on the freeway in California, here are some things you should know to ensure that Grapevine weather conditions don’t turn your car ride into a catastrophe: 
 

Be Familiar With The Grapevine

 
If you plan on driving the 5, you should be aware of past and present Grapevine weather conditions. By knowing how storms have affected the region in the past you will get a good idea of how storms will be handled in the future. 
 
In December 2019, the National Weather Service predicted that a large winter storm was going to hit Southern and Central California. The storm was expected to have a heavy impact on mountain passes, with snow and ice creating hazardous driving conditions. 
 
Given the increase of road travel due to the holidays, collisions and dangerous weather is a recipe for potential disaster. In order to mitigate possible auto accidents and auto accident fatalities, Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued warnings to all holiday travelers. This encouraged drivers to stay home or take an alternate route to avoid the near-freezing weather and impassable road conditions. 
 
When the storm hit – it hit hard. The 5 Freeway closed in both directions due to Grapevine weather conditions for roughly 36 hours. 
 

Check CHP And Caltrans Updates Before Your Drive

 
Ahead of the storm making landfall, the National Weather Service predicted that the mountains of Southern and Central California would see heavy rainfall and snowfall. Grapevine weather conditions are predicted to include flooded lanes, felled trees, icy roads, and impenetrable snow walls. 
 
Heeding these warnings, Caltrans and the CHP put notices on social media to avoid the area, providing alternate routes for those needing to travel during the storm. 
 
Due to the holidays, it is assumed that the storm would see record-breaking vehicle travel. This added another layer of danger to the already perilous Grapevine driving conditions. 
 
Drivers who followed CHP and Caltrans’ alerts are made aware of this. In addition, given enough time to make an alternate plan to ensure their comfort and safety. 
 
If you are driving through the Grapevine, check CHP and Caltrans social media or websites ahead of your drive. By being aware of a hazard you can avoid an auto accident and other emergencies. 
 

Travel Prepared

 
Sometimes drivers aren’t able to head warnings and get stuck in dangerous Grapevine weather conditions. It is estimated that this past winter storm left more than 3,000 drivers stuck in the snow for close to 8 hours on the Grapevine. 
 
Snow and ice made roads impossible to navigate safely. Drivers are forced to wait out the storm. In addition, are stuck in their car without food or water in the freezing cold. While those who drive for work are prepared, most casual commuters are not. 
 
In order to avoid injury or fatality, drivers should always carry emergency supplies in their car, regardless of weather predictions. According to Caltrans, motorists should ensure they have first-aid kits, blankets, flash lights, snacks and water on hand. Though the organization stresses that it is best to avoid the area in its entirety when dangerous Grapevine weather conditions are predicted. 
 
Snow is not a common obstacle in the daily life of the Southern Californian driver. However surprising and rare this weather may be, carry the proper snow chains for your vehicle. While some roads may stay open during and after a storm, CHP may require snow chains in order for a vehicle to pass through. Don’t be stranded or stuck paying inflated prices by not planning ahead and traveling prepared. 
 

Do Not Be Adventurous

 
The advice that may save your life in dangerous Grapevine weather conditions is to not be adventurous. Icy roads and impaired visibility due to snow, rain, and fog are a recipe for traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities. 
 
Regardless of the car, if a road is closed do not attempt to circumvent the closure and continue on. You put not only yourself in serious danger, but rescue workers who put their lives at risk to save you. 
 
If you are stuck between closures like thousands of drivers during the last big storm, do not exit your vehicle. While playing in the snow may sound fun, it also makes you a sitting duck for uncontrolled vehicles. In low-visibility storms, drivers will not see you until it is too late. Icy wet roads make sudden braking an impossible task. 
 

Call Sweet James Today

 
If you get stuck on the Grapevine during hazardous Grapevine weather conditions and you find yourself the victim of an auto accident, the weather may not be the only thing to blame. Bad weather can lead to truck accidents, personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death that affect hundreds of people every day. If you have found yourself in a bad situation due to driving in bad weather, contact us today. Our compassionate and responsive team of personal injury and auto accident attorneys are here for you.