Question About Driving? (Denver: relocate, job, moving)

[NeedAChangeFromFL]

Ok, I have a dumb southerner question...what's it like driving in the snow?? Is it hard to drive in snow?? I have these images in my head that everyone drives and hits ice and spins off the road into a tree...I know that it's probably not like that, but please don't laugh.

I know this question probably seems ludicrous to you all, but I am dead serious, lol. I am a native Floridian and have only seen pictures of actual snow...I have seen very light snow in N GA though.
My hubby and I are looking to relocate (we are looking more towards NC or N. GA) however hubby seems to like Colorado all of a sudden (the pictures of it are absolutely amazing). I am not sure that we would end up in CO, but I figured that since there are areas that get A LOT of snow, I thought I'd ask on this forum.

Thanks for putting up with me!!

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by NeedAChangeFromFL

Ok, I have a dumb southerner question...what's it like driving in the snow?? Is it hard to drive in snow?? I have these images in my head that everyone drives and hits ice and spins off the road into a tree...I know that it's probably not like that, but please don't laugh.

I know this question probably seems ludicrous to you all, but I am dead serious, lol. I am a native Floridian and have only seen pictures of actual snow...I have seen very light snow in N GA though.
My hubby and I are looking to relocate (we are looking more towards NC or N. GA) however hubby seems to like Colorado all of a sudden (the pictures of it are absolutely amazing). I am not sure that we would end up in CO, but I figured that since there are areas that get A LOT of snow, I thought I'd ask on this forum.

Thanks for putting up with me!!

Winter driving in snow and ice is a learned skill. The best way to learn is from someone who is good at it. There are a lot of "amateur" winter drivers out there--some who think that they are a lot better winter drivers than they really are. There are good winter drivers out there, and there are some winter driving schools in Colorado, as well. Also, like any other skill, one improves with practice.

Part of the battle is also psychological. Winter driving is more hazordous. You are driving a several thousand pound vehicle that has a much less "sure-footed" grip and traction on the road surface. Getting past the fear of that and adapting one's driving to that reality is a big part of the battle. Driving on such surfaces for maximum traction, most effective braking, and best control of skidding is both a battle of controlling the physics of driving in such conditions and not psychologially "freezing up" when driving under such circumstances. Experience will usually help both, though some people never get over the psychological hurdle (my Mom, who has lived in Colorado since 1945 is one of those).

Personally, I was lucky. I learned winter driving from my father, who started driving on winter roads when he was 12. I've been driving on winter roads from the time I got my driver's license--much of it mountain driving over all of Colorado's highest passes. In nearly 40 years of that (and I wouldn't guess how many miles of snowpack, ice, and blizzard driving that's added up to), I have only had one minor winter-related "fender-bender" (knock on wood) that occurred at 5 mph when a car slid through a stop sign and bumped into me. That's a good illustrative point: In winter driving conditions, I worry a lot more about what some other driver is going to do. It's the other guy that usually gets you.

It is also important to have a vehicle that is prepared for winter driving conditions--good tires, good winshield wipers, working defroster, properly functioning brakes, etc.

[Mike from back east]

I noted a big difference in snow driving (and walking) here as compared to back east.

Here, snow is dry, light and powdery. It crunches underfoot and under tires. It's mostly air.

Back east, snow is usually wet, heavy and dense. When walking or driving on it, it turns slick or slushy. It's mostly water.

Walking or driving in the snow here feels safer and easier than back east, a bit like walking in sand, you get some traction. I can take full strides walking in the stuff here. If snow here stays and packs into ice, then its bad stuff.

Back east walking/driving on snow was like walking on ice, very slippery stuff, same for driving. I walked in baby steps. Cars would go wild, spin donuts, with an inch of that crap on a road. Four inches of that stuff could paralyze DC.

s/Mike

[Mike78613]

Its not bad. Just drive safe w/ common sense.

I will say this, never lock your brakes. Always pump them and when you slide, go opposite of the turn and never hold the brake down. Well except now w/ ABS its little easier, but I am still old fashion type of guy

[hapaleeretired]

And pump them gently! Whether walking or driving in snow you don't make sudden jerky moves either stopping or starting. Slow and smooth. Snow isn't really that bad to drive on. It's ice that you want to avoid. Worse yet is a little snow blowing over the ice.
So you want to move from Florida to Colorado? I suggest a visit in the middle of winter before a move. After a snow go find a large empty parking lot and teach yourself how do drive through a skid and 9gently) pump brakes to a stop.

[Katiana]

Winter driving in snow and ice is a learned skill. The best way to learn is from someone who is good at it. There are a lot of "amateur" winter drivers out there--some who think that they are a lot better winter drivers than they really are. There are good winter drivers out there, and there are some winter driving schools in Colorado, as well. Also, like any other skill, one improves with practice.

Well put. I learned to drive well in snow in Illinois when I was a visiting nurse. I am amazed at the people out here who have no idea how to do it. Truth is, we don't get enough snow in metro Denver for someone to become really skilled quickly, unless they practice, practice, practice.

[sunsprit]

Big misconception here for folks driving with ABS equipped cars:

Do NOT pump your brakes! Use moderate braking pressure, allow adequate time/distance for your braking, and let the ABS system modulate the brakes if needed. It can and will do a lot better job of maintaining control than you can, because ABS reacts many times per second.

"Pumping" the brakes is the braking technique required when your vehicle does not have ABS brakes, where you are continuously cycling the brakes on and off ... gently, so that the tires don't lock up on a slick surface and start sliding.

[Katiana]

You cannot learn to drive in the snow from reading this forum. You have to do it. To the OP: all of us had to learn at one time, and most of us succeeded. Don't let that keep you from moving here.

[ditto]

Coloradans drive like maniacs in the snow. Watch out for 'em.

[momma4]

Originally Posted by ditto

Coloradans drive like maniacs in the snow. Watch out for 'em.

Well, allrighty then....let's hope it's not snowing next week when I'm there