Don’t Use GPS, Stay on the Highway During Winter Storms

Marysville - Caltrans is reminding motorists to not rely on their GPS devices during winter storms and to stay on the highway. Local roads are often plowed less frequently and can be in worse shape, leading motorists to become stranded and stretch emergency services thin.

Changeable Message Signs along Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50 will be used to remind motorists of these conditions, displaying safety messages such as "Stay on Route 50, Off Hwy Routes Not Plowed."

During the winter storm over the busy holiday weekend, area search and rescue crews were inundated with numerous calls for service, including a semi-truck stuck in a very rural area of Sierra County.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid driving during a winter storm if possible. If motorists must travel through the Sierra Nevada, it's important to be prepared for chain controls, additional travel times and delays. Do not use a GPS device to bypass chain control or look for an alternate route. If the GPS appears to be rerouting, motorists should trust their instincts and stay on the highway.

Caltrans strives to reduce the frequency and the length of delays on state highways due to spinouts and collisions. During major storms when traffic flow is heavy, crews may meter traffic. By letting fewer vehicles feed onto the highway, crashes and congestion are reduced.

In the event of an extended delay, Caltrans advises a full tank of gas or full charge and extra supplies. Those supplies include but are not limited to extra snacks, water, a blanket and a flashlight.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for the next round of winter weather later tonight and into the weekend. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 4 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Sunday, January 4, where 1 to 3 feet of snow is expected above 5,500 feet and wind gusts up to 45 mph.

In the Sacramento Valley and Delta, the forecast calls for 2 to 3 inches of rain and up to 4 inches in the foothills. Motorists traveling in the valley should be prepared for wet weather, additional travel times and delays. Caltrans advises that vehicles have properly functioning headlights and windshield wipers and not to drive through flooded roads.

For additional information motorists are encouraged to check the NWS forecast for any updates and Caltrans' QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans' website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department issues updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3.