[prawn]

I had to drive a windy, steep road near Santa Cruz last year (probably the 17 from San Jose down towards Scotts Valley) and local friends couldn't decide whether I should drive that road later that night (they said chance of drink drivers was fairly high) or in the morning after heavy rain (they said accidents were all but guaranteed). I went in the morning and there were indeed multiple accidents.

I can't think of a road or situation here in South Australia where anyone would need to be worried about either of those things to that heightened level. Yeah, take it easier when wet or foggy, or when tired, and drunk drivers exist, but not to the point of seriously warning people on a particular route.

[GeorgeTirebiter]

Hwy 17 here is notorious for being windy, slippery when wet, difficult to see very far ahead, blind curves, poorly-marked entrances and exits, and: the only path between Silicon Valley (Los Gatos in the south) and Santa Cruz and points south. Over the years, I've seen better signage, more aggressive road clearing of debris after rain, and more police enforcement.

When I lived near Santa Cruz for a year and had to commute to Silicon Valley, I got very good at driving that stretch, knowing when I could do the curves fast, and when I needed to be cautious.

But if you're not a 'regular' on that road? Your advice was well-warranted.