Safe Driving Tips In California's Traffic Hours

Whether you live in the Eureka State or are just visiting, it’s important to know how to stay safe when using the roads. The state boasts over 50,000 miles of highways and freeways that can link you to just about any place you would want to go in the state. There are even iconic roads such as Highway One that runs along the Pacific Coast, and, of course, the legendary Route 66.

No matter where you go in the state, you should know the laws before getting behind the wheel. Here’s what you need to know about driving in California.

Driving On Curves

There are a lot of beautiful curving roads in California but it’s important to remember that as you turn, there is an outward force that pulls on your vehicle out and away from the road, especially if it is slippery. If you are speeding, then that could inevitably lead to a tragedy, so always travel at the posted speed limit. If there is no posted speed limit before you enter the curve, then you must use your best judgment to determine how you should adjust the operation of your vehicle to keep your driving controlled. You should always slow down before you enter a curve because braking once you are already in the curve could cause your car to skid.

Driving During Bad Weather

Always be careful when driving during inclement weather. You have less control of your vehicle when you are speeding or otherwise not adjusting your driving for the following common types of dangerous road conditions:

• Rain
• Snow
• Mud
• Ice
• Gravel

At higher speeds, your vehicle is much more prone to “hydroplaning,” which is when your vehicle rides on water and your tires lose contact with the road. It’s important to obey speed limits because if you need to slow down and apply the brake, then that could lead you to start hydroplaning or skid off the road. Instead, you should adjust your driving at the first sign of dangerous road conditions.

When roads are wet, you should drive anywhere between 5 to 10 mph slower than the posted speed limit. On the ice, you should only travel at a crawling speed. If there is packed snow on the ground, then you must reduce your speed by half.

Driving in Fog

Some parts of the state get very thick fog or heavy smoke. The first rule of driving in fog or smoke is to abstain from driving at all. Fog can clear, so it is best to wait until it does. But it’s understandable that at times you will need to drive in the fog. Here are some tips to help you:

• Drive slowly
• Use your windshield wipers often
• Use your low beam headlights
• Do not drive with just your parking or fog lights
• Keep music off so you can hear better. Since you cannot see other traffic, you will have to keep your ears open for clues about oncoming cars, bikes, etc.

What To Do In An Accident

When you have been involved in an accident in California, you are required to pull over and to exchange information with the other driver involved if there were any injuries and if there was any property damage in excess of $1,000. If you have been involved in an accident, then you need to exchange:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Your car insurance policy information and your insurer’s phone number

If the other driver requests, then you must show them proof of a valid driver’s license. This URL has more information on your rights in California.