Driving on long mountain roads makes for calm, silent drives. However, it has its fair share of risks from other drivers, animals, and the road itself. The tight, blind turns can often lead to collisions if not careful.
The risk is too high to not take the proper precautions, especially since truck drivers often use these roads to transport cargo. In fact, data shows that over 16,600 people died in motor vehicle crash deaths on rural roads in the U.S. in 2023. If you rarely find yourself on mountain roads, take the opportunity to learn about best practices on rural roads before getting on one.
If you end up in an accident, contacting truck accident attorneys in San Gabriel may be your best chance at gaining compensation.
The following safety habits can be helpful when navigating mountain roads:
Drive Cautiously
Mountain roads are notorious for being poorly maintained compared to city roads. They have poor lighting and the pavement is often uneven.
Some areas on mountainous roads do not have guardrails, and other roads lack guardrails altogether, so it’s best to exercise caution beforehand. Drive slower or just below the speed limit and avoid any risky driving behaviors.
Blind Curves
Due to the winding nature of mountain range and curves where drives cannot see approaching traffic, a lot of accidents can happen. The limited visibility makes it difficult for speeding drivers to safely react, especially when there are also a lot of trucks on these roads. It’s recommended to slow down at these turns to lessen the risk of an accident.
Turn Your Lights on At Night
Turning your headlights on at night is something all drivers should be doing regardless, but if you’re on a mountain road, it’s a must. Streetlights are rare on mountain roads, so if you want another vehicle to notice you from a distance, then turn on your lights.
Watch Out for Animals
It’s likely that you’ll see wildlife out on mountain roads, especially at night. Wildlife crosses the road without notice, and large animals like elk pose threats to drivers.
Most people would try to avoid hitting an animal, but sometimes that can lead to more damage. Swerving to dodge wildlife can lead to hitting other cars on the road or a single-driver accident. Calmly consider your surroundings when driving and react to surprises.
I Hit an Animal! What Do I Do?
If you hit an animal, your insurance may cover compensation if you have comprehensive car insurance. This is optional insurance, and it’s only required if someone is leasing or financing a car.
If you only have liability or collision coverage, the damage your car takes from hitting an animal may or may not be covered. Contact your insurance agent for more information about your policy.
Keep an Eye on Your Vehicle
Driving on mountain roads can cause vehicles to overexert themselves when driving up a hill. Your engine may overheat or your brakes may also start to smell burnt after a while. This can cause vapor lock, which causes your engine to stop. If you smell something odd when driving, it’s best to pull over and wait about 20 minutes for your car to cool off before getting back on the road.
Carry Snow Chains
In the mountainous regions of California, weather conditions can be unpredictable. It’s important to carry snow chains when going to the mountains to avoid any potential dangers and avoid annoyances like getting stuck on a mountain road. This will cause the authorities to shut down the highway to get you off the road.
In California, tire chains are required on the Sierra Nevada, Shasta-Cascade region, the San Bernardino Mountains, and other high-altitude areas. Other highways and roads may require them, so it’s best to keep them in your trunk.
Where Are Tire Chains Available?
Tire chains are widely available in:
Auto Stores and Service Stations– Your local auto part store should carry tire chains and other items you may need on the road.
Rentals– Near Mountain regions, there are often tire chain rental shops in the area for people to rent.
Chain Installers– Also near mountain regions, there are chain installers. These businesses are not allowed to sell or rent chains, only install them. If you use this service, make sure to note the installer’s badge number and get a receipt.
How To Install Tire Chains
Every wheel type requires a different set of snow chains. When you go to buy your snow chains, make sure they fit your tire width, height, and diameter.
- Once you take your tire chains out of packaging, lay them out on the pavement.
- Put the chains over the wheel you’re installing that set on.
- Drive your car slightly forward so you can put on the rest of the chains
- Once you have the chains on, connect them using the hooked edges at the end of each chain link. These should be facing outward.
To check if they’re secure, drive a little bit forward and see how they react. If you’re unsure, you can visit a service station for ease of mind.
Fines and Penalties for Not Using Tire Chains
In California, not using tire chains in the appropriate areas can lead to a fine or penalty. A typical fine ranges between $50 to $500, depending on the severity of the violation. Other penalties include traffic officials preventing you from continuing your drive without the proper equipment.
If you happen to cause an accident due to the lack of chains in an area that requires chains, you may be held liable for any damage.
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injury lawyers today
Your Health Matters Too
Driving up a mountain comes with elevation changes. The air becomes thin and it can affect your car, but it can also affect you. Thin air can cause tiredness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
It’s best to get off at a nearby rest stop or safely pull over to the side of the road to get some rest if you feel any symptoms. Carrying water and snacks can go a long way in helping to alleviate these symptoms and get you back on the road.
Accident FAQ
I Crashed with a Truck! What Do I Do?
If you collide with a truck (or crash into spilled cargo from the truck), follow the same procedure you would do in a car accident. If everyone is stable, trade phone numbers, insurance policies, and licenses. Take photos and videos of the scene, and if you have dashcam footage, make sure to preserve that as well.
Calling the police to file a report would also be in your best interest. Once you have all the information, it’s time to inform your insurance company and look for a truck accident attorney in San Gabriel.
I Feel Fine. Should I Go to the Doctor?
Yes, most injuries won’t manifest immediately after an accident. The sooner you visit a doctor, the better your chances of discovering an injury and fixing it before it becomes a serious problem. Make sure to get a receipt for your visit and any subsequent visits to provide to your insurance adjuster.
How Do I Know if I Need a Lawyer?
That depends on the circumstances of your potential case. If you were in a serious accident and feel your insurance is lowballing your compensation after providing them with all your proof, speaking to truck accident lawyers may be your best move.
This is also true if you were involved in an accident with a commercial driver. If you lost a loved one to a truck accident in a rural area, a San Gabriel wrongful death lawyer can explore your options.
What’s the Difference Between Truck Drivers and Commercial Vehicle Drivers?
Not all commercial vehicle drivers are truck drivers, but all truck drivers can be considered commercial vehicle drivers. In California, commercial vehicle drivers navigate vehicles that weigh over 26,001 pounds, can transport over 15 people, carry hazardous materials, or have a tanker or a double or triple trailer.
However, these drivers all have different insurance policies depending on their jobs. Some commercial drivers carry their own insurance, and others go through their company’s insurance. Speaking to truck accident attorneys in San Gabriel can help you figure out who’s insurance you’re working with and the steps to correctly file a claim.
What If I’m Liable for Damages in an Accident?
When reporting an accident, it’s best to tell your insurance agent what happened without taking fault.
California practices comparative negligence, which means that all parties hold liability in an accident. An investigation done by the adjusters will determine how much responsibility you and the other parties hold.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In a truck accident, all parties have up to two years from their accident date to file a personal injury case. However, if you find yourself in an accident with an employee who needs to report the crash immediately, you may find that you cannot wait two years.
If you need truck accident lawyers in San Gabriel, look no further than Vaziri Law, LLP! Our dedicated team of lawyers have over 200 years of experience and will work to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us for your free consultation today!
