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Driving Safety Tips Offered by CHP

Slow Down Is Best Advice During Winter Conditions

By Michael P. Neufeld
Friday, December 12, 2008

Running Springs, CA – During the winter season, mountain roadways are subject to rain, sleet, snow and foggy conditions. The California Highway Patrol reminds motorists to be prepared for winter conditions.

Chains Required Sign (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

This includes having chains in your vehicle, and making sure you are up-to-date on current conditions.

Here are a few winter driving safety tips offered by the CHP:

• Driving too fast for current weather conditions causes crashes. The first and foremost tip, SLOW DOWN. It's a simple matter of physics that motor vehicles can't stop as fast, or turn as accurately, on wet or icy pavement.

• Prepare in advance by leaving early, allowing yourself plenty of time to get to your destination safely. Stay aware of weather and road condition reports through your local media (such as Rimoftheworld.net ).

• If you traveling on mountain roadways, make sure you have the proper chains and warm, weatherproof clothing in your vehicle. Make sure your gas tank is full.

Motorists are advised off the hill that chain conditions may exist in the mountain communities. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

• Check to see that your windshield wipers are in good condition. And don't forget the California law that requires you to have your headlights on anytime you have your windshield wipers on continuously.

• If you encounter fog make sure you SLOW DOWN. Drive with your lights on low beam, and don't stop on a mountain roadway, unless it's an emergency.

• Remember to always wear your seat belt, don't drink and drive, and reduce your speed when on rain slick or icy pavement.

Vehicles Blocking Snow Plows Will Be Towed (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

There are three primary categories of chain restrictions, as shown below:

R-1 Chains are required on all vehicles, except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight, and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.

R-2 Chains are required on all vehicles, except four-wheel-drive vehicles under 6,500 pounds gross weight, and equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Chains for one set of drive wheels must be carried by four wheel-drive vehicles using snow tires.

R-3 Chains are required on all vehicles without exception.

R-1 and R-2 are the most common conditions. A highway will often be closed before an R-3 condition is imposed. Some local areas may use variations of these designations. You must follow the directions on the signs posted for chain controls, or any instructions given by Caltrans or CHP personnel at chain control check points, even if these are at variance with broadcast road condition reports or information contained herein.

Chain requirements are covered in the California Vehicle Code (CVC), Section 605 and Sections 27450 to 27503.