‘We didn’t put chains on, we definitely should have’: Truck crashes on snowy four-lane section of Hwy 168 in Fresno County

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The wet and snowy weather continues to create headaches and danger for drivers on their way up Fresno County’s Highway 168.

It’s particularly hazardous from the four-lane section East of Prather and up toward Shaver Lake and China Peak.

That was the unfortunate realization for a group of friends from the Central Coast Friday morning, as they attempted to head up into the mountains to go snowboarding in their Toyota Tacoma.

A truck we stumbled upon crashed.

“We didn’t put chains on, we definitely should have, and it was just super bad conditions and just lost control,” said Chaz Stemper, one of the snowboarders inside at the time.

Stemper, who was sitting in the passenger seat at the time of the collision and felt the brunt of it as the airbag slammed into him on impact, says when they realized their mistake it was too late.

“We were sitting there saying, ‘Maybe let’s pull off right here and put some chains on,'” he said. “We’re coming around the corner right down here and next thing we know we’re just still sliding, not catching the road, and just right into the mountain.”

Luckily, aside from some back pain, he and his friends are okay and were able to walk away from the scary scene.

He was just thankful it wasn’t worse.

“We’re great, I mean, just a little more worried about the truck but I mean, trucks can be replaceable,” Stemper said. “I’m glad we’re all safe and getting back home safely.”

It’s just one example of why drivers who head into the mountains during or after winter weather should always be ready for the treacherous conditions.

“You have to have chains when you go into the mountains, so take the chains with you. Make sure you know how to put them on,” said Larry Johnson, Caltrans public information officer for District 6. “You’ve got to have your phone charger; you’ve got to have everything in working order. Have the extra clothes, the blankets, whatever you need, because if the road gets shut down or there’s an incident and you’re stuck up there you want to be prepared for it.”

Those who plan to make the trek up into the higher elevations this season are encouraged to check the updated Caltrans QuickMap or call 1-800-427-7623.