Safety Tips for Winter Driving From Caltrans

Winter WEather Conditions Caltrans traffic Cam Hwy 199

Winter weather conditions in 2017 from a Caltrans Traffic camera.

Press release from Caltrans:

Caltrans urges motorists to be prepared and use caution when driving this winter. Taking action and being proactive can help reduce the risk of injury and even death on the highways during the upcoming storm. Operators of vehicles must use their best judgment in all types of weather.

Before traveling, Caltrans recommends checking weather and road conditions. Caltrans QuickMap is an online resource with real-time traffic flow information, chain control alerts, and closure information. It is available at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or as a Google and Apple app. Motorists can also call 511 or the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623 for travel information. Live traffic cameras can also be useful to check conditions before traveling and are available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/video/.

Winter driving tips:

  • Reduce your speed to match driving conditions and allow more time to reach your destination. Know that bridges and ramps may be more slippery than the roadway.
  • Keep your fuel tank full. Bad weather may cause long delays or closures.
  • Turn on your headlights to see and be seen. Be observant and maintain a safe distance behind snow removal equipment. Do not pass snow plows unless directed to do so.
  • When driving in fog, reduce your speed and use headlights on low-beam along with fog lights. Stay to the right along the white edge line and never stop in the road. If visibility is not adequate, pull off of the roadway when safe to do so.
  • Do not drive through flooded areas. Safely turn around and find another route.
  • If you start sliding on snow or ice, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you wish to travel. Do not lock your brakes. Pump the brakes if needed, or apply steady pressure if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes.
  • Don’t use cruise control.
  • Avoid in-car distractions while driving.
  • If you are stalled, activate your hazard signals and stay with your vehicle. Conserve fuel by periodically turning your engine on and off while maintaining warmth, but be aware of possible exhaust and carbon monoxide issues.
  • If you approach an emergency, maintenance, or any other vehicle stopped on the side of the road, move over when safe to do so or slow down.

Be prepared. The following actions can help prevent vehicle failures and help if you become stranded:

Winterize your vehicle. Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, heater/defroster, and exhaust system are in good working order. Make sure fluids are topped-off, especially windshield washer fluid.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and always carry tire chains.
Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle with the following items: flashlight, blankets, extra clothing, water, snacks, towel, gloves, ice scraper, shovel, broom, sand, and carry a spare key on your person in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle.

All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires, should carry chains when traveling in snowy weather. Highway signs and QuickMap will indicate when chains are required, and drivers must stop and install chains. Motorists should pull off the roadway completely to install chains. If you need help, chain installers may be available to assist for a fee. Please note, chain installers are not Caltrans employees. They are independent business people who are licensed to install chains. Once chains are installed, obey the speed limit of 25 or 30 miles per hour, posted at various locations.

Chain Control Information:

R-1: Chains, traction devices or snow tires with proper tread depth of 6/32” are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles.
R-2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (NOTE: Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
R-3: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions. (NOTE: R-1 and R-2 are the most common chain controls. The highway will usually be closed before an R-3 control is imposed).

For more information on winter driving, chain controls, and additional resources, visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html Caltrans’ “Weathering the Storm” winter driving tips brochure is available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/winter_driving2015.pdf.

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14 Comments
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Renaissance1
Guest
Renaissance1
5 years ago

Thank you for the information.

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
5 years ago

be aware that certain cars can not be chained up as per owners manual. they can and will cause problems with traction control systemsand may cause body damage.

That sauce
Guest
That sauce
5 years ago
Reply to  Antichrist

Correct. Any vehicle that is full time AWD should not use chains. Don’t know the exact reasoning maybe it does have to do with the traction control but either way I was surprised as hell when a Subaru mechanic informed me of this

Bushytails
Guest
Bushytails
5 years ago

How exactly should I go about winterizing my exhaust system?

Don’t forget toilet paper in your emergency kit.

oldmanwinter
Guest
oldmanwinter
5 years ago
Reply to  Bushytails

Have your muffler bearings repacked with fresh waterproof grease. And don’t forget to have your blinker fluid checked, and make sure to have the air in your tires changed to dry air (so the moisture doesn’t freeze )

Dan F
Guest
Dan F
5 years ago
Reply to  oldmanwinter

I’ll get right on that as soon as my ride to town comes waltzing by!!! My Rainbow Unicorn, should be along any minute now

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
5 years ago
Reply to  oldmanwinter

you think muffler bearings are a joke, however there are parts called muffler bearings. Toyota has one that i used to have a part number for and on certain rockets and turbine engines there are muffler bearings as well.

tax payer
Guest
tax payer
5 years ago
Reply to  oldmanwinter

dont forget to check your 121G every trip
https://www.oreillyauto.com/flux-capacitor?q=121g

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Bushytails

Having a exhaust system in good condition that will not fill the car with fumes is winterizing part. So no rusted through pipes with wire holding them up.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago

A most important rule of driving in snow is keep distance behind other drivers. If they have trouble, it gives you room to stop or at least a chance they will miss you if they do spin out. Don’t stop in a place like the low spot between two hills unless absolutely necessary because you may not be able to gain enough traction to get up the hill when you start again.

Willie Caso-Mayhem
Guest
5 years ago

When the weather outside is frightful
Inside is more delightful,and and I have no place to let it snow, let it snow. Common Sense.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago

If you have a job that won’t let you off or children to pick up or simply pass through on a long trio staying home may not be an option. The last time I travelled in really bad weather, it was for a medical test that took 6 months to get scheduled and that scheduling was for another 4 months out.

Dan F
Guest
Dan F
5 years ago

Ageed 250%!!!

Sparkelmahn
Guest
Sparkelmahn
5 years ago

Yes: best bet is don’t travel in bad weather but if you have to SLOW DOWN!