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Winter driving on roads and highways in the snowcapped
mountains of California can be a pleasant adventure or
it can frustrating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous.
The California
Department of Transportation provides the following
information to help make your mountain driving safe and
pleasant.
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Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster,
heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
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When traveling in FOG, keep in mind that the speed
you think you are traveling is often much faster
than reality. Pay extra attention to the speedometer
and pay extra attention to vehicles to the rear that
may be traveling too fast for conditions.
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Let tailgaters pass.
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Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder
temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to
your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing.
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Check your tires. Make sure they are the properly
inflated and the tread is in good condition.
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Always carry chains.
Before driving anyplace where chains may be
required, in order to save road side frustration,
your first time installing your new tire chains
should NOT be the first time they are required.
Drivers should install and uninstall tire chains at
least once at home. Make sure you understand
all instructions and slowly drive once around the
block with out snow. Installing chains in the
blowing snow can be much more difficult and "dry
run" experience will save much frustration.
Once your chains are on, check the chains
frequently. Make sure they are the proper
size for your tires and are in working order. You might
also want to take along a flashlight and chain repair
links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels.
Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear
wheel
drive. Keep in mind 4-Wheel drive provides extra
traction only when the wheals are moving. The more
you break, the more you diminish your traction, if
you have 4-wheel drive, know how your use the lower
gears to control your speed.
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Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice
scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow
off your car, a shovel to free your car if it's "snowed
in", sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should
become mired in snow and an old towel to clean your
hands.
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Slow down. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas
are not.
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Remember to
avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
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It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm
blankets and extra clothing. A road closure or lengthy delay will make
you glad you have them.
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Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of
motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when
putting on chains and at ski areas.
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Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change
routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be
caught in a traffic delay.
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When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to
conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any
possible exhaust or monoxide problems.
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Chain Controls
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You must stop and put on chains when highway signs
indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the
California Highway Patrol and fined if you don't. You
will usually have about a mile between "Chains Required"
signs and the checkpoint to install your chains.
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Control areas can change rapidly from place to place
because of changing weather and road conditions.
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The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30
miles and hour and will be posted along the highway.
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When you must put on chains, wait until you can pull
completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop
in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself
and block traffic.
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Chain Installers: If you use the services of a chain
installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the
installer's badge number on it. Remember, chain
installers are independent business people, not Caltrans
employees. Having the badge number may help with any
miss-understandings later. Chain installers are NOT
allowed to sell or rent chains.
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Caltrans Highway Information Network
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Caltrans officials urge you to check road conditions
often. To help keep you abreast of changing conditions,
Caltrans operates the Caltrans Highway Information
Network which motorists may telephone 1-800-427-7623 for
up-to-the-minute information. The network is updated as
conditions change.
California
Driving Regulations
Laws may differ from state to state, below are some
California regulations you may not know about.
Required
Documents
Drinking and Driving
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It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood
alcohol level of .08% or higher. If arrested for driving
under the influence, you must submit to a chemical test
to determine blood alcohol content. It is illegal to
operate a motor vehicle with an open container of
any type of alcoholic beverage.
Seat Belts/Restraints
Helmets
Road Conditions
Vehicular Accidents
"Right on Red"
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