As we slowly transition from winter to spring, the precipitation will become a winter mix of rain, snow and ice, which can make for very treacherous driving conditions, and can leave some of the mountain passes, well, impassable, leading to road closures. If you come across a sign in the road saying “Road Closed”, do not, under any circumstances, drive around the sign. Everything may look fine where you are, but the road is closed for a reason. If a road over a mountain pass is closed, then you can bet your bottom dollar that it’s very bad up ahead. Road closures are usually a last resort, after they have done everything possible to keep the road open. It’s bad enough when they close the road while you’re on it, but at least they know someone is on the road, and they can make an attempt to rescue you. But if you go around a road closed sign and find yourself stuck, or worse, in a ditch, rescue services may not be able to reach you for some time. To add to your troubles, most insurance policies will refuse to cover damages if you knowing drive on a closed road.
As this article is being written, there are many closures in effect along I-80 in Wyoming and California, with drivers being stranded literally on the highway, with some having been stranded in places for days.
Before starting a trip, always check the local weather conditions along your route, and pay heed to any and all weather warnings. If you even think the conditions might be a problem, pull over and wait it out. Your company would much rather explain to a customer why their freight is delayed, than to have to call your spouse and explain why you’re never coming home again.
