Chain Control Signs
冬期にチェーン規制が出た際のサインについて解説がありましたので、掲載します。
R-1からR-3まで、３段階あります。
チェーン規制が出ているエリアでは最高速度は25マイル／時に規制されます。
「R-1」レベル
チェーンが必要。ただしスノータイヤもOK。（溝の深さ規定あり）
ロードサインは “AUTOS & PICKUPS SNOW TIRES OK”と出ます。
「R-2」レベル
チェーンが必要。スノータイヤを4輪に装着した4WD車はOK。（車両重量規定あり）
ロードサインは“4W DRIVE WITH SNOW TIRES OK”と出ます。
「R-3」レベル
４WD車も含め、例外なしにチェーンが必要。
ロードサインは“NO EXCEPTIONS”と出ます。
Chain Control Signs
Here is a reminder of what those chain control signs mean.
Remember the posted speed limit in the park is 25 mph when chain requirements are in effect. This speed limit overrides all higher posted limits within the chain control area. Road conditions may warrant speeds slower than what is posted, you must drive accordingly.
R-1 Chains are required − snow tread tires are allowed.
Park road signs will show “AUTOS & PICKUPS SNOW TIRES OK”. Snow tires must have a minimum tread depth of 6/32 of an inch to be legal.
R-2 Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels. (This is for a four-wheel drive passenger vehicles with an unladen weight of 6500 pounds or less) Park road signs will show “4W DRIVE WITH SNOW TIRES OK”.
R-3 Chains are required − all vehicles − no exceptions. (Yes “all” means four-wheel drives too.) Park road signs will show “NO EXCEPTIONS”
Remember, State Law requires you to carry chains in your vehicle when entering an active chain control area. Tire traction devices can be link chain, cable chain and/or spider straps. For further information on winter driving tips go to www.dot.ca.gov/roadinfo/wntrdriv.htm (R. Middlecamp – 11/1/05)
また冬道ドライブのTIPSについても、以下のように掲載がありました。
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Allow enough time. Get an early start, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Park roads, the Merced Canyon (Hwy 140) and Hwy 41 can be very icy, especially during December and January when the sun is at its southern-most point in the sky.
Slow down, a posted speed of 35 mph may be safe in dry, warm weather, but may be an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, especially when approaching a stop sign (i.e., Sentinel Bridge). Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
Chain Control Areas: The speed limit on park roads, in chain control areas, is 25 mph. Signs (Black with white lettering) are posted at the start of chain control areas and supersedes all higher limit signs (White with black lettering). The law requires that you drive the speed that is safe for the current road conditions, which may mean driving slower than the posted 25 mph. Drive Safely! (R. Middlecamp – 11/17/05)