Manage Your Speed

In California, you may never drive faster than is safe for the current road conditions. This is known as the Basic Speed Law.

Make sure you manage your speed and slow down when conditions call for it. Regardless of the posted speed limit, your speed should depend on:

• The number of vehicles on the road.
• The speed of other vehicles on the road.
• The road surface: smooth, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide, or narrow.
• Bicyclists or pedestrians on or crossing the road.
• Weather: rain, fog, snow, wind, or dust.
• Traffic congestion: small changes in your driving habits can help reduce congestion. Avoid weaving in and out of freeway lanes.

There are also situations with specific speed limit laws and conditions where you should reduce your speed. Unless otherwise posted, the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph. It is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers.

Choose Between Hazards

Sometimes dangers will be on both sides of the road at the same time. For example, parked cars to the right and oncoming cars to the left.

If one danger is greater than the other, give more space to the most dangerous situation. Suppose you are on a two-lane road with an oncoming vehicle to the left and a bicyclist ahead to your right. Instead of driving between the vehicle and the bicyclist, take one danger at a time. Slow down and let the oncoming vehicle pass. When the vehicle has passed, move to the left to allow plenty of space (at least three feet) to pass the bicyclist. If there is a steady flow of oncoming vehicles, use as much of the left lane as you safely can to pass the bicyclist.

Know How to Handle Emergencies

There are many types of emergencies you may encounter when you drive. Knowing how to handle emergencies can help keep you safe.

Tire Blowout

If you have a tire blowout, do not panic or overreact. Suddenly braking or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator can result in a loss of control over the vehicle. Instead, you should take the following steps recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Hold the steering wheel with both hands.
• Maintain your vehicle speed if possible and safe.
• Gradually release the accelerator.
• Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control.
• Look and steer in the direction you want your vehicle to go.
• Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when it’s safe.

Driving Off the Pavement

If your wheels drift off the pavement:

1. Grip the steering wheel firmly.
2. Remove your foot from the accelerator.
3. Brake gently.
4. Check for traffic behind you.
5. Carefully steer back onto the pavement.

Do not pull or turn your steering wheel with too much force. This may cause you to drive into oncoming traffic.

Overheating Conditions

In extreme heat, you should:

• Watch the temperature gauge.
• Avoid driving at high speeds for long periods.
• Turn off the air conditioner.

In extreme cold, you should:

• Watch the temperature gauge. The engine may not have the correct level of antifreeze.
• Use the defroster or slightly open your windows to keep them from fogging up.

See the vehicle owner’s manual for more information.

If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway

If your vehicle stops working on the freeway:

1. Safely pull over to the right shoulder.
2. Exit on the right side so you are away from traffic if you must get out of the vehicle.
3. Dial 511 from your cell phone or locate call box for assistance..
4. Return to your vehicle as soon as you can. Get back into the vehicle from the right side (away from traffic).
5. Stay inside your vehicle with your seat belt on until help arrives.
6. Use your emergency flashers at your discretion. They can help other vehicles see you at night and in different weather conditions.

There are certain circumstances where it is safer to get out of your vehicle and stay away. These include situations where there is:

• Not enough space on the shoulder.
• A guardrail.
• An area for you to safely stay away from freeway lanes.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)

During commute times, the CHP FSP provides free emergency roadside services in certain areas. If you get stuck on the freeway because your vehicle stops running, FSP will:

• Provide a gallon of gas if you run out.
• Jump start your vehicle if the battery is dead.
• Refill your radiator and tape hoses.
• Change a flat tire.
• Report a collision to CHP.

If FSP cannot start your vehicle, they will have it towed (free of charge) to a CHP-approved location. CHP will notify an auto club or towing service.

FSP will not:

• Tow your vehicle to a private repair service or residence.
• Recommend tow service companies or repair and body shops.
• Tow motorcycles.
• Help vehicles which have been involved in a collision, unless they are directed to by CHP.

Call 511 for FSP information and assistance.

Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks

Do Not Drive Distracted

Avoid distractions while you drive. Some common distractions are:

• Looking at a phone, navigation system, children, and pets.
• Changing music or volume.
• Applying makeup or shaving.

Cell Phones and Texting

Cell phones are the main source of distracted driving. Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal. 

Adult drivers should only use a cell phone in hands-free mode when necessary.

• Do not answer your cell phone if it rings. Let the call go to voicemail. If you must return or make a call, pull safely off the road.
• Do not send or read text messages or emails while driving.
• Mount your cell phone on the windshield, dashboard, or center console. It cannot block your view of the road.
• Use the single swipe or touch feature on the mounted cell phone.

Minors And Cell Phones

It is against the law for a minor to use a cell phone or electronic wireless device to answer calls and send or respond to text messages while driving.

EXCEPTION: Minors may use a cell phone to make a call for emergency assistance.

Be Familiar with New Technology

The technology in vehicles is always advancing. We will see more self-driving vehicles and vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on the road. Vehicles with these systems may respond to road situations differently than a human driver would.

Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide

All gas-powered vehicles produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless gas released from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe. Never start your vehicle inside the garage with the door closed. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Tiredness
• Yawning
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Ringing in the ears

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, have your exhaust system checked.