Driving in Snow

[os9198]

capecodcathy: It's not my fault that people aren't specific. Just telling them to go slow doesn't help at all. No one said to let off the gas, no one said to go 30, no one talked about ABS, and no one talked about traction. So u can just back off and go take some midol! If you don't like what I write then don't read it.

[NY'er lost in MA]

To get things back on track here- to the OP or anyone else that cares, winter driving is very specific and not really up for interpretation. I grew up in Upstate NY where we got enormous dumpings of lake effect snow every year. Since moving to New England, I have been shocked at how many New Englanders are either: afraid to drive in the winter, or just plain don't know how to drive in it- at all! Some days I literally drive around afraid someone is going to hit me.

Couple of things:

1) just because you have a big SUV doesn't mean you can speed - physics could care less that your SUV is big.

2) As mentioned, definitely downshift/move your automatic to 2nd/1st gear. Try this and you will be amazed at the control you have.

3) if you feel the car slipping do not steer against the direction to compensate - immediate downshift and turn slightly into the direction you are slipping (assuming you are not speeding) This will allow the car to gain traction and slow without braking.

4) only brake (pumping) on straight stretches when in ice/snow. Pump the brake lightly almost like tapping. Even with ABS this technique works very well. Try not to brake on sharp turns

5) get off your cellphones!!!!! You need 2 hands on the wheel folks and when downshifting/controlling the car you need to be focused.


About 2 hours ago I have to drive up onto someones lawn and back onto the road to avoid a woman in a minivan on her cellphone (2 kids in the back) as she was sliding directly into my path. Take things slow folks and be smart. It's time for you New Englanders to learn to drive once and for all!

Okay- have a great weekend

[capecodcathy]

Originally Posted by os9198

capecodcathy: It's not my fault that people aren't specific. Just telling them to go slow doesn't help at all. No one said to let off the gas, no one said to go 30, no one talked about ABS, and no one talked about traction. So u can just back off and go take some midol! If you don't like what I write then don't read it.

Wow. Who put the carpet tacks in your corn flakes?