There are networks of California highways connecting to different parts of the country, and if you’ve traveled on these roads, you’ve noticed a few things.
First of all, the state highways can be pretty intense, more like perfect racecourses for speed junkies looking to get a thrill out of it. But they can also flow at a snail’s pace in metropolitan areas where traffic is high.
Are you planning a trip to the Golden State or simply passing through?
Regardless, arming yourself with a bit of info on the roads and driver’s habits may go a long way. Take a look at these five tips for safe highway driving in California:
Plan in Advance
Each state has a few unique things that can be pretty startling to an outsider. There are more than a few differences when it comes to driving as well. For instance, the state roads in California have their fair share of surprises, such as merging yield signs or tailgating.
Unless you’ve driven in the state before, it’s a good idea to plan your trip and know the routes you’ll be taking.
Most of all, try to familiarize yourself with the state’s driving rules. The fewer mishaps you have on the road, the better.
Traffic Jams
California has some of the most crowded roads in the country. The freeways may seem fun, but those passing through large cities like LA and San Francisco can be jammed with heavy traffic.
And as you know, traffic is pretty much fodder for road rage. That’s something to avoid if you can.
Cities like LA can be a nightmare, not a place to get caught up during rush hour. If you’re new in town, avoid certain freeways like the 101 and some stretches of I-10, especially if sitting in traffic makes you want to pull out your hair.
You may want to plan alternative routes and tune in to local radio stations like KNX 1070 AM for traffic updates.
Slower Highways
Keep in mind that Californians are fast drivers, which makes sense considering the infamous high-traffic areas like LA. Many people on those roads are thrill-seekers, plain and simple. Some have to contend with fast driving if they want to get anywhere on time.
If you’re not comfortable flooring the accelerator and driving above the speed limit, stick to the right lanes. It’s safer for you and everyone else that way.
Remember, the left lanes are usually reserved for faster traffic. Try not to find yourself in the HOV lanes unless you’re pretty confident you can keep up.
If you’re just passing through California, there are safer alternatives to the freeways. One of them is Highway 1, better known as Pacific Coast Highway or State Route 1.
State Route 1 goes through most of the pacific coastline and connects with Interstate 5 to the south and US 101 to the north.
Weather Conditions
Well-known for its mild climate, California is a perfect year-round destination. However, the state highways may not be safe if you’re not familiar with them or you’re unprepared.
In the summer, temperatures can easily exceed 80F. It’s best to be prepared in advance and carry necessary supplies for the road like a first-aid kit, offline navigation apps, food, and plenty of water.
Make sure your vehicle doesn’t have issues. The last thing you want is breaking down in the middle of nowhere on a hot summer day.
You also want to stay alert in case it gets foggy, which happens in the summer months.
All in all, familiarize yourself with average temperatures depending on the season and regions you’re visiting.
Road Conditions
California is a massive state, and though it has modern superhighways like the rest of the country, some stretches of those roads aren’t in stellar conditions.
Maintenance delays and extreme winters in some of the remote stretches have led to frequent potholes. You shouldn’t really expect a smooth ride on the interstates.
Some scenic roads like Highway 1 have narrow, winding, and treacherous lanes, especially along the cliff sides with sheer drops.
Poor visibility and twisting roads are also common in the state highways. Some portions of Route 138 are known for being unsafe. Do some research on these particularly dangerous sections. That way, you’ll know what to expect and stay alert.
In Conclusion
California has some of the highest traffic accidents in the country. Many factors make the state highways dangerous, including speeding, traffic jams, poor visibility, and navigation problems.
While driving in the Golden State, it’s important to be informed so you can stay vigilant as traffic accidents are common.If the unfortunate happens and you’re in an accident, you may want to check whether you’re entitled to a legal claim. Contact a personal injury attorney to have them look into your case as soon as possible.
Feature photo by Andrew Scozzari
