When we lived in SoCal, my name for the 101 was “The 101 Death Ride”. And that was just because of the drivers and traffic. I’ve never been on any parts that were hugely mountainous with switchbacks and steep drop-offs. Sounds bad.
I did the Alcan Hwy. in 1970 and that was a terrifying experience, so I can imagine how bad it could’ve been where this family was traveling.
I do not like mountain roads.. Lived in CA for 50+ years and never got used to them. Hated the one through Redlands up into Big Bear. When our daughter was little she threw up all the way up and back when we went up to the snow. When we got down below, I told my husband to stop at a gas station so I could clean her up and she said, “I’m ok now, Mommy - I don’t have to throw up anymore.” I think I had her sit in front 1/2 way down.
Ever been on the road to Sonora with the switchbacks? We traveled on that from Sacramento a bit and I’m not sure what the highway was but it was awful. I had a great aunt (only relative in CA) who lived up there and what a road!!