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Traffic Safety

Traffic Safety

Fires and other emergencies take the attention of most local residents. However, the greatest risk most anyone takes in life is driving a vehicle. This risk is compounded when driving on mountain roads such as San Marcos Pass. There is a long history of head-on collisions and vehicles over the side on the pass. Some recent collisions have claimed the lives of local residents. Fortunately, most traffic collisions are preventable through simple defensive driving techniques.

The Wildland Residents Association and the San Marcos Pass Volunteer Fire Department are committed to prevention, including traffic collisions.

The following are some tips on how to survive the highway.

• Do not drink and drive. A leading cause of fatal traffic collision is alcohol. If you have been drinking, don't drive.
• Speed kills. Reaction time is limited when you drive fast. At 55 mph you are traveling 80.66 feet per second. This does not leave much time or distance to react.
• Do not tailgate. Allow enough room in front of you to stop. The faster you go, the more space you need.
• Do not impede traffic. This is a problem on the pass. If you can not maintain speed, pull to the right and allow others to pass.
• Right-of-way violations are another leading cause of traffic collisions. Pulling out onto the highway without sufficient space between you and approaching traffic will cause a collision. Take your time, look both ways and if in doubt, wait.
• Uphill traffic has the right-of-way. Yield to uphill traffic on such roads as Old San Marcos Pass as well as East and West Camino Cielo.
• Pay attention to driving. Inattention is a serious problem. Some common sights on the pass include drivers doing the any number of the following:
  • Talking on a cell phone
  • Eating or drinking
  • Make-up and other grooming activities
  • Reading or writing
  • Talking and giving a tour of the area
  • Taking pictures or video
  • Looking for CD's or other items
  • Smoking
  • External distractions, such as looking at the view and not the road
  • Passengers, including children
  • Falling asleep

Rock slides are common on the pass. Use caution, particularly when it is raining. If you see CALTRANS trucks patrolling the highway, there is a reason, pay attention.

Watch for stranded vehicles in the lane of traffic.

Keep in mind that you do not have to be causing the problem to be involved in a traffic collision. Be alert, pay attention to the other guy. Wear your seat belt at all times. Many of the traffic fatalities on the pass are because the occupants were ejected from their vehicle. Many of these victims would have survived had they been wearing their seatbelts. It is also important to note that airbags do not provide protection to the occupant that is not belted in.

Watch the speed on curves. The critical speed for many of the curves is less than 55 mph under some conditions. The worst curve is on the southbound side of the summit where the two lanes merge into one between the summit and Kinevan Road. Many a car has crashed here. Use caution when in the area.

The intersection of Painted Cave Road and San Marcos Pass has also been a location of serious traffic collisions. The primary collision factor is the failure to yield the right-of-way to traffic. Look twice prior to pulling out. The visibility is poor, so take your time. Paradise Road and San Marcos Pass is also a problematic intersection.

Some bike riders insist on ridding on San Marcos Pass as well as the side roads. This is not illegal, but it is very dangerous and in the view of some, very unwise. Bikes are required to ride to the far right side of the road in single file, not in the lane of traffic. They must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and right-of-way rules. Bikes are also required to have lighting at night. Bikes causing traffic collisions are as liable as if they were driving a car. Many bike riders do not have liability insurance. This only increases their risk if they are involved in a traffic collision. The leading causes for fatalities and injuries involving bicycles include:

1. Riding on the wrong side of the street-facing traffic.
2. Disregarding traffic control devices such as signs, signals and roadway markings.
3. A rider failing to yield the right-of-way.
4. Running into an open car door of a parked car.
5. Carrying an extra rider.
6. An improper turn.

Pedestrians on the highway are also problematic. Keep a keen eye out for them.

Animals such as deer have been know to get hit on the road. Hitting a large animal at speed will cause a problem for you and the animal. Caution at night is well advised.

Heavy fog is known to hit the pass during the spring and early summer. Frequently, the visibility at the Summit is less than 50'. Ice and sometimes even snow can be a factor. Ice signs are posted during cold weather conditions on SR-154. Extreme caution is well advised during these conditions.

During emergencies, the CHP may close the highway. This is for everyone's safety. Generally, the roadway is opened quickly. It is the policy of the CHP to keep roads open whenever possible. If the road is closed, you may be better off waiting it out than driving around on US-101. In the event of a formal roadblock, only documented residents are allowed though.

The highway enjoys very heavy CHP patrol, including radar enforcement and aircraft patrol. Speed enforcement is very strict on both sides of the Summit. Keep in mind, traffic fines are doubled in construction zones. Additional construction and improvements are scheduled by CALTRANS all along the San Marcos Pass corridor.

The San Marcos Pass is a beautiful highway, rich with history. The view is spectacular on both sides of the summit. Pull over and take a good look. Enjoy the area and stay safe. Pay attention to your driving because the San Marcos Pass is also very unforgiving.

Traffic Emergencies

In the event of an accident, the following procedure will be helpful:

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

• Give your name, location, type of injuries and what other help you may need.

ATTEND TO ANY INJURIES

• Do not move the seriously injured.
• Provide appropriate first-aid.

COLLECT THE FACTS

• Date, time and location of the collision.
• Write down the involved vehicle license plates.
• Get the names, addresses, telephone numbers and insurance information of all parties and passengers involved.
• Get the names, addresses, telephone numbers of any witnesses.
• Photograph the scene if you can.
• Make a drawing of the vehicles and the roadway.

CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

Other Important Information

• Do not discuss responsibilities. Admit nothing.
• Watch for traffic.
• Stay off to the side of the road.
• Warn oncoming traffic with reflectors or cones, do not use road flares on the pass.
• If your vehicle is on fire, do not park it in the grass or next to brush. If possible, leave it in the center of the road.
• Leave your parking lights on at night so others can see you. Turn on your flashers.