The Toll Roads of Orange County are your fastest, easiest and most predictable way to get to Grandma’s house or a winter escape with loved ones this holiday season. Travelers driving through Orange County to and from the Inland Empire, San Diego and Los Angeles are encouraged to drive safely on all roads – including the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads.
“We are glad to see our customers out on The Toll Roads over the holidays, saving time and avoiding traffic,” said Mike Kraman, CEO of The Toll Roads. “We encourage everyone to drive safely on all roads this holiday season, so they arrive safely to holiday celebrations with friends and loved ones.”
With Southern California’s recent rains, The Toll Roads are sharing tips to remember when you’re driving in the rain or fog this winter. Rain can make roads slick and create a situation where your car might hydroplane, making it difficult to steer and brake. Fog can be one of the most dangerous weather conditions for even the most seasoned driver. Here are some simple tips for safe driving during winter conditions:
- Stay focused – Texting while driving has become the number one driving distraction for many people. Severe weather demands your undivided attention, so be sure to reduce any possible distractions by turning the radio down or turning off notifications on your cell phone to keep your attention fully on the road.
- Take your time – Driving at normal speeds (65 mph on The Toll Roads) in fog or rain can be very dangerous. Reduce your speed in the rain to keep your vehicle from hydroplaning and slow down if you have poor visibility of the road. Consider leaving for your destination a few minutes earlier than you normally would to avoid rushing on the roads.
- Give other vehicles more space – The more space you allow between your car and the car ahead of you, the more time you will have to see a hazard down the road and avoid it. Add one to two seconds of following time in the rain or fog to give you and the cars behind you more time to react to driving conditions.
- Always use your headlights – Always use your headlights to help other cars see you. Many states, including California, require the use of headlights during rain. And, avoid using high-beam headlights in fog as fog consists of tiny water droplets that spread and reflect light.
Other travel tips for driving The Toll Roads during the holiday season:
- Pack Your FasTrak® Transponder – Use your FasTrak transponder anywhere you see the FasTrak name or symbol. In addition to The Toll Roads of Orange County, toll facilities currently using the FasTrak system include the 91 Express Lanes in Orange and Riverside counties, I-110 and I-10 Metro ExpressLanes in Los Angeles, the SR-125 and I-15 Express Lanes in San Diego, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and various bridges in the Bay Area. Make sure the vehicle you are driving is registered to your FasTrak account and tolls will automatically be billed to your pre-paid account.
- Temporarily Add a License Plate to Your Account - Are you hosting out-of-town guests for the holiday or renting or borrowing a vehicle to head to the mountains? Temporarily add a car’s license plate number to your ExpressAccount® or FasTrak account to continue to pay electronically. Log in to your account at thetollroads.com and click on the "Vehicle Information" tab to easily add a vehicle on a temporary basis.
- Pay Tolls Online Using One-Time-Toll® - Visitors can pay tolls online or via The Toll Roads' free app using the One-Time-Toll payment option. With One-Time-Toll, drivers have five days before or after their trip to make a One-Time-Toll payment to avoid receiving a Notice of Toll Evasion. To download the app, search "The Toll Roads" in the Apple App or Google Play Stores.
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are two joint powers authorities formed by the California legislature in 1986 to plan, finance, construct and operate Orange County’s public toll road system. Fifty-one miles of the system are complete, including the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads. TCA continues to meet the region’s growing need for congestion-free transportation alternatives.
