Unprepared Southern California motorists stranded on snowy mountain roads

As Southern California sees its first significant rainstorm of the year, snow is blanketing residents in higher elevations and catching dozens of motorists in the San Bernardino Mountains off guard.  

The promise of fresh snow in the mountains reportedly brought thousands of visitors and tourists to the higher elevation communities where strict chain restrictions are in place for all vehicles with exceptions for four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires.  

At Heaps Peak and Highway 18, officials at a chain control checkpoint are stopping vehicles that are not properly equipped with tire chains.  

The slick roads have already led to dozens of spin outs and collisions, in some cases causing heavy traffic as motorists wait for help from tow truck drivers and road crews.  

In Daly Canyon, a Tesla Cybertruck was seen getting a tow from another truck that was also struggling on the snowy roadway. The Tesla was blocking a snow-removal vehicle that was coming up from behind.  

Many others were seen on the side of the snow-covered roads attempting to put chains on their vehicles in less-than-ideal conditions.  

There are signs posted throughout the area reading “chains required” and that urge motorists to carry them, especially during the winter months.  

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