• BRING CHAINS FOR YOUR VEHICLE—even if it is NOT
snowing!
The
closure of some mountain routes in past weeks have been attributed to vehicles
without chains, that became disabled within chain control areas. This caused as
many as 100+ other motorists to become stuck
for hours while Caltrans crews, CHP, and emergency responders worked to
free the vehicles.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (Caltrans)
Chain Requirements
Revised
10/16 Vehicles are permitted in chain control areas when equipped with
link-type chains or Alternative Traction Devices (ATD). Examples of ATDs include:
cable chains, textile snow chains, wheel hub attached chains, and automatic
tire chains. Tire traction devices are denied in the California Vehicle Code
(CVC) Section 605.
When
the term CHAINS is used here, it
means any tire traction device which
meets the requirements of (VC) Section 605.
For
detail information visit: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/ChainRequire.pdf
• NEVER INSTALL CHAINS ON THE ROADWAY AND BLOCK
TRAFFIC!
•
Use designated areas or turnouts for chain installation.
•
Follow all commands from Caltrans crews, chain installers, law enforcement and emergency
responders.
•
Check the weather and road conditions before you get on the road – use Caltrans
Quick Map for chain control and traffic conditions at
http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
•
Check fluids, tires and brakes before you leave home.
• FILL YOUR GAS TANK BEFORE YOU GO UP THE HILL
•
Bring warm clothing, hats, gloves and footwear suited for snow/ice conditions.
Bring blankets if possible.
•
Charge your cell phone in advance and bring a backup charger.
•
Bring cat litter to free your vehicle should it become disabled in ice or snow.
If
you become snowbound – stay in your vehicle! It provides temporary shelter and makes
it easier for rescuers to locate you.
•
Make sure your exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked
exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into your vehicle while
the engine is running. Try to run the engine and heater just long enough to remove
the chill and conserve gasoline.
• PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR ROADWORKERS, LAW
ENFORCEMENT & EMERGENCY RESPONDERS!
Slow
down and keep them safe. Stay away from snow removal equipment and never try to
pass them.
•
SLOW DOWN!
Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, and
turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement.
•
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to accelerate to regain
traction and avoid skids.
Again:
It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
•
Increase your following distance from three to four seconds to eight to ten
seconds. This will provide more distance for you to stop.
•
Know
what kind of brakes you have on your vehicle. If you have anti-lock brakes
(ABS) and need to slow down quickly, press hard on the pedal-it’s normal for
the pedal to vibrate a bit when the ABS is activated.
•
Don’t come to a complete stop if it is not necessary. It takes longer to start
moving again in the snow and regain traction.
•
Don’t power uphill on snow/ice-covered roads. This will cause your wheels to
spin. Press on the gas enough to get your car moving and then when you reach a
level area you can reduce your speed. Proceed as slowly as possible on downhill
roads.
•
Don’t stop going up a hill – you lose traction.
•
Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive
well in the snow, not everyone else can.
Etiquette
for mountain visitors:
•
Do not snow-play on roadways or private property. Go to designated snow play
areas.
• DON’T TRASH THE MOUNTAINS! TAKE YOUR TRASH WITH
YOU!
Bring
trash bags to dispose of your litter – keep it in your vehicle until you can
dispose of it in a trash receptacle. The fine for litter is up to $1,000.
CALTRANS wants your trip to
snow-filled mountain resort areas to be fun – BUT SAFE! Following these tips
will make your trip more enjoyable and perhaps save a life. Source: AAA.com