Page 160 - 2019 Travel Guide to California

RESOURCES
» MEDICAL CARE &
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Visitor Medical Insurance plans are designed to cover
medical expenses resulting from a sudden illness or
injury while visiting the USA or other countries.
Typically, visitor insurance plans offer benefits to cover
inpatient hospital, outpatient doctor ojjfice visits,
surgery and prescription drug expenses.
Go One Global Corporation
800-257-7718 g1g.com
Distributor of online travel and international medical
insurance products and services.
DRIVING REGULATIONS
Insubuy 866-467-8289 insubuy.com
Provides a variety of short-term medical insurance
for foreigners visiting the USA.
International Services, Inc.
877-593-5403 nriol.net
Financial services company with focus on providing
quality insurance for U.S. residents, travel
insurance for tourists, and medical insurance for
international students.
Multichoice Insurance Services
855-444-6247 insurancemultichoice.com
Fast, simple, online (secured) and effective way to
fulfill travel insurance needs.
Patriot America 877-778-4562
patriotamericainsurance.net
Worldwide travel medical insurance for non-U.S.
citizens traveling outside of their citizenship country.
USA-Assist Worldwide Protect
877-539-8619 usa-assist.com
Provides travel insurance, assistance and protection
to all kinds of travelers, including groups and
business travelers worldwide.
LICENSE/DOCUMENTATION: You must have a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or foreign
country. Minimum driving age is 16. For more information about California driver’s license regu-
lations, call 800-777-0133.
SEATBELT: By law, everyone in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt. Children under the age of eight
(8) must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Infants should stay in rear-
facing seats until they weigh at least 20 pounds, can pull themselves up to stand, or reach one
year of age.
HELMETS: Motorcycle helmets must be worn by all motorcycle riders, as well as their passengers.
Bicycle riders under the age of 18 must wear helmets.
SPEED LIMITS: These are posted in miles-per-hour (mph). Generally, the speed limit on multi-
lane freeways is 65 mph. On two-lane highways it is usually 55 mph. The speed limit on city streets
is usually 25-35 mph. In residential areas, near schools and in areas with heavy foot traffic, the
speed limit is almost always 25 mph.
CARPOOL LANES: Major urban areas have carpool lanes (or “diamond lanes”) identified by small
black-and-white signs and by diamonds painted on the roadway. To drive in a carpool lane, you
must usually have two people (including the driver) in the car. Some carpool lanes in the San Fran-
cisco Bay Area require three people (including the driver).
CELL PHONES: The Wireless Communications Device Law makes it an infraction to write, send
or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a
cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle. Drivers must also use a hands-free device when speaking
on a cell phone.
ACCIDENTS: You must report accidents to the California Department of Motor Vehicles if injury
or death occurs, or if damage exceeds $750.
DRINKING AND DRIVING: It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol (blood alcohol
concentration of .08% or higher).
ROAD CONDITIONS: The California Department of Transportation maintains a free 24-hour hot-
line for information at 800-427-7623. Throughout the state you can dial 511 on your phone to get
up-to-the-minute transportation information.
OTHER: Roundabouts are uncommon in California. Most intersections are either signed by traffic
lights or by stop signs. Unless signed otherwise, it is legal to make a right turn on a red light after
you come to a complete stop.
» RESOURCES FOR THE DISABLED
RESOURCES FOR THE DISABLED ACCESS NORT-
HERN CALIFORNIA: A non-profit organization
dedicated to providing increased opportunities and
improving access to travel and outdoor recreation
for people with disabilities throughout Northern
California. Website (accessnca.org) has a large
resource section with lodging, parks, transportation,
adaptive recreation and more.
HEARING IMPAIRED ASSISTANCE: Dial 711 for
TDD-to-voice or voice-to-TDD relays.
LOS ANGELES HANDICAPPED TOURIST ACCES-
SIBILITY GUIDE: Available online at latourist.com.
Includes accessible tourist attractions, hiking trails,
outdoor activities, transportation and more.
STATE PARKS: The California Department of Parks
and Recreation offers a Disabled Discount Pass
which provides a 50 percent discount for use of all
basic facilities (including day use parking, camping
and boat/day use parking fees) at any unit of the
California State Park System operated by the State
Department of Parks and Recreation. Cost is $3.50
and is available online (www.parks.ca.gov) or by
calling 800-777-0369.
CAR RENTAL: Avis Rent a Car has an “Avis Access”
program that offers a dedicated 24-hour toll-free
number (888-879-4273) for customers with special
travel needs; special car features such as swivel
seats, spinner knobs and hand controls; and acces-
sible bus service.
NATIONAL PARKS: Free access to national parks
is available to U.S. citizens and residents who have a
permanent disability. The Golden Access Passport is
available at any National Park Service Headquarters.
TRAIN TRAVEL: All rail services in California are
wheelchair accessible. In addition, Amtrak offers a
15% discount to travelers with disabilities (800-872-
7245 or amtrak.com).
158 2019 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA