Why the Grapevine closes during wintertime

CASTAIC, Calif. (FOX 11) - Interstate 5 through the Grapevine reopened Monday morning after it was shut down again for snow. It's been shut down several times this winter already prompting some to question why it needs to be shut down at all when other states that see more snow manage to keep their highways open.

States like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Michigan and New York get heavy snowfall every year, but drivers understand the rules of the road when the winter wonderland shows up. In California -- not so much.

Officials say California drivers simply don't know how to drive in dangerous winter weather so once cars start spinning, the California Highway Patrol makes the decision to either completely shut down the highway or provide low-speed escorts.

CHP says 25 MPH is the recommended speed for driving in snowy roads.