[Connie Person]

Would a southerner be reasonable able to drive on main roads in Omaha this time of year? As in does the snow etc get cleared enough for the less experienced driver to handle it?

[iamjacobm]

The main roads are usually in good shape. And so far the year the neighborhood streets have been cleared very well too. Even alleyways got plowed a day after the 8 inches that fell last week. Best advice is just take it slow and try not to make and sudden turns.

[laserdisque]

If you have rear wheel drive you may not want to get out and about if there is even an inch of snow. I have lived here for 28 years and still hesitate to take my rear wheel truck out in more than 2 or 3 inches. Front wheel or 4x4 is would certainly make your life easier.

[MountainMen]

As someone who moved here from South Carolina, I can say the roads are generally maintained as well as they can be, but ice is often a problem. Many days of the year in January it is just NOT safe to be driving in a car. I second getting a four wheel drive.

[Calvinist]

Originally Posted by MountainMen

As someone who moved here from South Carolina, I can say the roads are generally maintained as well as they can be, but ice is often a problem. Many days of the year in January it is just NOT safe to be driving in a car. I second getting a four wheel drive.

It depends on the car. Some are too light, and not good.

And good tires. I drive a minivan with front wheel drive, and a Ford Taurus with front wheel drive. The van is great in the snow--and even better this year since I got 4 new tires this past summer. The Taurus is too light and the front wheels spin way too easily. Of course, it would probably benefit a lot from some new snow tires, too.

[jessep28]

A well maintained vehicle and maybe a good set of snow tires is all you really need to get around in the winter. You don't really need a 4 wheel drive vehicle up here unless you absolutely have to travel in the snow (e.g., job). If the roads are bad enough to require 4 wheel drive, then it's probably a better idea to stay home.

[Gunluvver2]

Practice, practice and more practice driving on ice and snow is the only way to become proficient at it. Getting good advice and heeding it also helps so here is my advice: Four wheel and front wheel drives GO better on slick roads BUT they do not STOP any better. If you drive a rear wheel drive vehicle on slick roads you know the roads are slick and you will adjust your speed accordingly. Too many drivers in 4WD or front wheel drive drive faster because of the increased traction HOWEVER since they cannot stop any better they get in situations where they cannot stop. Never forget GRAVITY and how it can affect your vehicle. Everyone is aware of uphill and downhill but don't forget that most highways have a crown in the middle of the road. WIND can be a force that can ********* up in a hurry. For instance when the wind is coming from your right it will be forcing you UPHILL to the crown of the road. When it is blowing from your left it will be forcing your vehicle to the downside of the crown. Flat and banked corners are other factors that affect your vehicle. Slick roads magnify the affects of these forces. Then remember to always watch out for the other guy. You will be surrounded by a certain percentage of TOTAL IDIOTS.
GL2

[harshbarj]

Originally Posted by Gunluvver2

Never forget GRAVITY and how it can affect your vehicle.

I hate to be one of those that nitpick, but gravity is not the reason for this problem. It is the mass of the car and newtons first law of motion.

[Busguy2010]

The only thing I find dangerous about the roads when ice is present is the stupid people that drive on them. The most annoying thing is when someone goes 10 or 15 below the speed limit on a straight away, but then doesn't brake till the last possible safe or unsafe moment. What's the point of going slow if you're going to do that!? Please excuse me.

[MountainMen]

I'm confused. You're annoyed that people are driving slow on ice? And then you're prefer they break sooner? I have a feeling you get annoyed easily.