DISCOVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S
WINTER DRIVING TIPS

I hate to have to say it, but it's a well-known fact that Californians do not know how to drive in inclement weather! This is coming from a third-generation Californian, so I know that of which I speak. And, since I'm a native Californian, it's okay for me to tell it like it is on this subject!

Therefore these Winter driving tips - delivered with a bit of tongue-in-cheek - are definitely in order and timely!

Winter Driving in Magalia
Photo by Suzi Rosenberg

• Sloooww dowwwwn. For some reason, we Californians seem to think that we can out-distance the danger if we drive faster. Not true! If we all slow down, we'll have a better chance of surviving unexpected hazards such as hydroplaning, slammed-on brakes in front of us, or invisible black ice.
• Don't make any sudden moves. Accelerate slowly; allow longer braking distances; brake gently . . . traction is the issue here. If we want our tires to stay connected to the road, we have to give them time to grab on.
• Use lower gears, especially going uphill. This helps us in several ways - it helps us to sloooww dowwwwn; it helps our tires to grab the road; and it helps us to arrive at our destination in one piece.
• Turn on headlights, even if it's one of those strange Winter days that look warm and sunny (when all it really is, is sunny). This is not so that we can see better - it's so the other drivers can see us better, and hopefully not ruin our day by crashing into us.
• Don't use cruise control or overdrive. Duuuhhh! How are we going to maintain control of our destiny if we're on autopilot?
• Be aware of unexpected hazards. Sounds a little oxymoron-ish, I know - "be aware" of "unexpected" hazards. But you know what I mean: bridges, overpasses, and the roads-less-traveled. These areas are often the first to freeze - and we might even encounter unexpected ice on those truly warmer days when it seems like there shouldn't be any ice - especially when we're driving through a shady area.
• Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. They can't see us with all that snow and sand flying around. Besides, what do we think the road is going to be like in front of the snow plow??

For current mountain road conditions and to find out whether chains are required, check Mountain Highways before you travel, or call Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 800.427.7623

When planning your trip to Northern California in the Winter, print these Winter driving tips and be sure to check HotelsCombined.com for the best hotel pricing.

Here are some Winter driving tips to get you out of trouble when the unwanted and unexpected happens:

Rear-wheel Skid

• Remove your foot from the accelerator.
• Steer in the direction you want the car to go - if the rear wheels are sliding left, steer left.
• If the rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, gently steer toward that direction.
• For standard brakes, pump gently.
• For ABS (anti-lock brakes), apply steady pressure.

Front-wheel Skid

• Take your foot off the gas and put the car in neutral (don't try to steer right away).
• The skidding wheels will slow the car and you'll regain traction - as traction returns, steer in the direction you want the car to go, return the car to low gear, and gently accelerate.

If You're Stuck

• Do not spin your wheels.
• Turn your wheels from side to side to push snow away.
• If necessary, use a shovel to clear snow away from your wheels
• Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel, or salt in the path of the wheels to gain traction.
• Be cautious about using the rocking method (shifting from forward to reverse and back again) - it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.
• When you're ready to go, use a very light touch on the accelerator and ease the car out.

If You're Stranded

• Don't leave your car unless you're absolutely sure where you are.
• Light 2 flares, placing one at each end of your car (at a safe distance); tie a bright cloth to your antenna.
• Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so (making sure the exhaust is not blocked first).
• Wrap up in anything and everything you can find to stay warm.
• Keep a window slightly open to avoid being sealed in.
• Suck on a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Heading for Northern California? Compare over 30 sites and find the best hotel deals at HotelsCombined.

Here are a few things that we all should keep in our cars during the Winter, even if we don't really plan to be driving in hazardous conditions. After all, we never really know for sure what's going to happen down the road, do we?

Discover Northern California's Recommended Survival Kit

• Spare tire (preferably inflated) and accouterments
• Small shovel
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit with wooden matches and a compass
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Exterior window cleaner, ice scraper, snow brush
• Tow rope and tire chains
• Sand, salt, or kitty litter
• Scissors and cord or string
• Heavy warm blankets, caps, socks, mittens
• Non-perishible foods that are high energy like energy bars, dried fruit, canned nuts, trail mixes, and hard candies

Well, I feel a whole lot better now - I've made my Winter driving tips list and I'm checking it twice to make sure I'll be safe this Winter. I hope you're doing the same!

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