Do all traffic lights have cameras?
No traffic lights have cameras. You will see cameras mounted near the traffic light at some of the busier intersections. Most intersections with traffic lights will not have any cameras at all. The expense of the cameras, installation, and maintenance makes it more efficient to install them only at high volume traffic areas. They will improve the traffic flow at these locations, but may not be as effective at the intersections with lower volumes of vehicles.Contrary to most ‘big brother’ conspiracists, not all of these cameras are attached to a network that sends video to a room full of recorders and police officers who are constantly watching you.Some cameras do have their video received at another location. This is to allow manual control of the traffic lights during heavy periods like ‘going to work’ time or 5 pm ‘going home’ times. A human can see the lines of cars at the intersections and control the timing to get the greatest number of cars per minute through that intersection. Also, these camera feeds are not normally recorded. They are used as real time tools and not spy devices.
What's the most scenic driving route from Dallas to Austin?
I laughed out loud when I read this question, because I've always felt the drive from Dallas to Austin is one to be endured and not enjoyed. It is a dismal drive, in my opinion. Frankly, I think it is better just to blast down I-35 and get there ASAP. Unless you think of Waco as “scenic” as do the Fixer Upper fanatics, there isn't much in the way of scenery along this route.However, if you have time and don't mind non-interstate driving, consider driving west towards Stephenville via Lake Granbury, then shooting south down 281 to Marble Falls, then east into Austin on 71. Definitely more scenic that I-35, but not so much that I'd give it preference. Just be careful on this route, as there tons of cops out by day and deer by night. Happy driving!
To South Lake Tahoe from Sacramento what is the less windy route? hwy 50 or 88? or should I go thru N. Tahoe?
Highway 89 through Emerald Bay is quite possibly the most windy route in all of Lake Tahoe. Highway 50 is actually much better. Though if you want an easy drive between the north to south shores, you need to get to the Nevada side. The Nevada side is largely flat. It is a roundabout way and will require a little more time. But you will get there with your nerves completely intact. THE EASY ROUTE FROM CALIFORNIA Interstate 80 to Truckee Highway 267 to Kings Beach Highway 28 through Incline Valley towards Carson City Junction Highway 50 to Stateline and South Lake Tahoe
Will there be chain control on Hwy 50 near Tahoe?
Motorists should always carry chains when going over Echo Summit on highway 50 (toward South Lake Tahoe) during the snow season. Chain restrictions can be implemented at any time as weather conditions require. Chain controls are enacted on highway 50 only when necessitated by weather conditions. Current chain controls for the various California highways are posted on the following website (just fill in the route # you'll be travelling): http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/hi.htm You can also call 800-427-7623 for this information. The following website has general information about chain requirements and laws in California: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks...
Next month I'll be driving for the first time in the USA (California). What nuances are there in the US that one should take note of? (British driver).
Four challenges ....The obvious one - driving on the right side of the road - with a car that has the wheel on the left side of the vehicle. Fortunately - most American rental cars are automatic transmission - so there's no shifting adjustment. The shifting adjustment for manual transmissions is the hardest to get used to. The pedal configuration is the same, but the shifter is in the middle so it's on the right for left-handed cars and on the left for right-handed cars. It's likely the biggest single difference that takes some getting used to because it's entirely different hands - and humans are also tilted to favor the right or left hand for most activity - including shifting. No roundabouts - at all - ever.Freeway speed. Americans (and Californians in particular) have almost no regard for posted freeway speed - and it's a bit of a game to see how far over the posted limit one can go - without getting a ticket. Add 10MPH to almost every posted freeway speed sign to get a sense of what's typical. If you actually drive at the limit - you'll wind up feeling unsafe as cars honk, whiz around and drivers glare as if YOU'RE the crazy one. Unless ... Traffic - of epic proportions - in all the major metros (San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and L.A.) largely due to metro sprawl and the lack of underground anything. At this point - walking tunnels would help. San Francisco does have BART, MUNI and CALTRAIN - which can be lifesavers - especially if it happens to rain. Rain rarely slows anyone down - so - of course - there are more accidents creating even more traffic.
Is there anything interesting to see on the drive along Interstate 5 between San Francisco and Los Angeles?
Sure, depending on what you find interesting. In addition to the aforementioned attractions and eateries:Pyramid Lake - Vista del Lago Vistors’ Center on the Grapevine is a museum dedicated to the CA Aqueduct’s and water systems’ construction and operation. Plan to spend about an hour.Just north of that is Fort Tejon State Historical Park.The outlet malls in Wheeler Ridge (just north of Tejon) if you’re in the mood to shop.Buttonwillow Raceway.I usually gas up at the Pilot Station in Lost Hills. If you don’t want truckstop food / fastfood, Gabby’s Mexican is just west about a mile.I really miss Mike’s Roadhouse in Kettleman City. Quirky diner had dozens and dozens of pedal cars lining the walls. It closed sometime back.Just west in Coalinga is a massive oil field and solar power station. Interesting history in Coalinga — one wooden walking beam pump put out oil for 60 years.The CA Aqueduct’s Dos Amigos pumping plant used to give tours. Not sure any more…Wanna see the modern economy? Check out Amazon’s fulfillment center in Patterson.After that, you’ll likely transition to the 580 to get to Tracy and the East Bay.Going off Interstate 5:When you’re driving over the Pacheco pass to pick up the 101 into Coyote Creek / San Jose / the south Bay, be sure to stop at Casa de Fruta or at the San Luis Reservoir overlooks along the 152.For a beautiful drive, consider driving over the 198 between Coalinga (on the 5) and San Lucas (on the 101).When headed south, consider picking up Highway 33 near Harris Ranch and easing along it until you get to Taft or Buttonwillow. If interested, the 33 will take you to Ojai, then Ventura and on to L.A. over the 101.The journey, not the destination makes you. Keep on keepin’ on.