Caltrans crews are taking the necessary measures to prepare for major rain and snowstorms throughout the season, including winterizing construction projects, and mobilizing the necessary equipment and personnel. Caltrans is also encouraging motorists to be fully prepared for winter driving conditions, particularly in snowy conditions in the Sierra.

“Winter driving on roads and highways can present some hazards for motorists,” said Jody Jones, Caltrans District 3 director. “Our goal is to help motorists be safe on the roadways and provide them with as much information as possible to ensure a wonderful winter driving experience.”

Caltrans is offering motorists the following winter driving tips:

Winterize your vehicle

This means:

• Checking antifreeze and making sure it is properly filled and formulated for winter conditions.

• Checking tires for proper tire pressure and tread.

• Replacing wiper blades and filling the windshield wiper reservoir; a wiper reservoir winter formula is available to help de-ice windshields.

• Checking tire chains to ensure they are the proper size for your tires and in good working order.

Carry a travel kit

This means:

• Expecting the worst possible weather conditions and having an emergency kit for your car that includes warm blankets, extra clothing, water and snacks, extra towels, a shovel, a flashlight with extra batteries, an ice scraper, sand, and other pertinent items.

Understand chain controls

This means:

• Recognizing R1, R2 or R3 chain control requirements.

• R1 means chains or snow tires are required; R2 means chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles equipped with snow tires; R3 is a mandatory chain requirement for all vehicles. R-1 and R-2 are the most common chain controls. The highway will usually be closed before an R-3 control is imposed (whiteout condition).

• Knowing that failure to abide by the chain requirement can lead to a fine from the California Highway Patrol.

• Recognize that speed limits range between 25 – 35 MPH when chains are required.

Check conditions frequently

This means:

• Being aware of inclement weather and potential snowstorms

• Tune in to Caltrans radio to receive brief and informative updates: changeable message boards (CMS) will list the radio frequency.

Anticipate delays and closures

This means:

• Understanding that winter weather and road conditions can change rapidly and allowing for extra time.

— Caltrans