driving by myself in February. How dangerous is that? (Bismarck: car, offices)

[VITAMINKA]

I am planing on going to GF in the end of February by car from about 1600miles away. What are my chances to get there safely or how can I improve them? I am talking about the weather. How is usual driving conditions in the last week of February? Is that realistic to make it there at that time of year by myself in 4 cylinder Honda Accord? Thanks .

[ebitdadada]

Well it depends: 95% chance you'll have absolutly no problems, 5% chance they'll be a blizard or icestorm. Check the weather channel!

In all seriousness, I wouldn't worry about it. More than likely you'll be fine. Pleanty of people in Grand Forks have Honda Accords.

[DaninEGF]

I agree with the previous poster....you will need to check the weather along the route and I would probably avoid driving right along I-90 or I-80 as it runs from Cleveland to Chicago and passes through some lake snow belts. Best bet is to go a bit south and take I-70 to Indy and then I-74 to Davenport Iowa or cut up north through Wisconsin on I-39. But overall your vehicle will do just fine.

Oh....here is a much better source of local GF weather information. The Weather Channel does their own forecasting and are quite laughable at times.

NWS Grand Forks web site
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/fgf

You can also use this address to get to the national NWS page and look at forecasts from other NWS offices along the trip as well as any warnings/advisories out there. And each state usually as their own web page now for road conditions, such search for DOT road reports for the state interested in.

Just as always be sure you have a winter survival kit with you (blankets, candles, and out here we never like to go below 1/2 full on the gas tank just in case we get stuck).

Dan

[horsecreek]

Make sure your cell is working. You might need it if the weather turns sour.

[usabeancounter]

If you are real worried about the winter travel, bring the "survival kit"--- warm clothing, shovel, etc....

However, I'm sure you will be fine.

[bolschlager]

Originally Posted by VITAMINKA

I am planing on going to GF in the end of February by car from about 1600miles away. What are my chances to get there safely or how can I improve them? I am talking about the weather. How is usual driving conditions in the last week of February? Is that realistic to make it there at that time of year by myself in 4 cylinder Honda Accord? Thanks .

You will have no problems as long as their isnt a blizzard on the day you are coming up. And if so you may have to wait a day or two. But just remember to slow down and dont overdrive the conditions as there will probably be ice patches along that stretch of road in February. Most accidents are a result of spinning out on a patch of ice and ending up in the ditch.

[Wise Spirit]

Lots of people out here drive mini-cars & they do fine so long as they think ahead (not real common) & don't overdrive the surface for the time of year. Underline from "&" to the end of the sentence. This IS ND, after all, & ice is common, even if there isn't much snow. There isn't much snow this year so far & I don't think there will be, but there is always ice, especially on bridges. If you want to have the best chance to survive winter driving out here, again - think ahead - carry a shovel, blanketS, some nuts & chocolate in case you have to spend hours waiting, & put a bag or 2 of sand in the back (50 - 100 lbs. total), even if your car is front wheel drive. If you get stuck, putting sand in close to your tires' treads will give the rubber something to work on & you may be able to get out without a tow. 2 years ago we had a cold snap & the wind chill hit -42F - fully 1/2 the tow trucks in Bismarck-Mandan would not start & when my diesel pickup wouldn't start, I & the dogs had to wait 7 hours for a truck. That's a long time without a munch & you don't want to walk any distance in that kind of cold - you WILL get frostbite & maybe worse. Since I carry dogs everywhere, I always carry a bag of dry d.f. in a plastic box, too.