Need help with mountain driving...AWD or FWD?

[Pilot1]

Originally Posted by Brian_M

I didn't see this, but it is the MOST IMPORTANT information for driving in the winter (I grew up in Wyoming).

RWD, FWD, 4WD, AWD are only good for go.

None of them have anything at all to do with Stopping. It's much more important to be able to stop than to be able to go (in most situations).

So what are you saying? Don't drive at all?

[Brian_M]

Nope, just that it's more important to be a Smart driver than someone with AWD/4WD.

There have been a large number of times I've passed SUVs and the like in the ditch while riding a motorcycle. This was back when I didn't have a car, and if I wanted to have a roof over my head and food in my belly, I had to ride the motorcycle. They don't make "snow" tires for street motorcycles and at that time the safety of using studs was unknown and I wasn't willing to risk it. So, being a SMART rider/driver, I was able to safely (never once did I drop the bike or fall) traverse roads where people in $50k+ vehicles could not.

I still drive a pickup in 2wd mode with all terrain tires in this stuff. I have 4wd, but it's VERY rare that I use it, much less need it. Normally only when I'm trying to haul someone else out of a ditch.

I'm not sure how exactly to teach smart winter driving, I had to learn on my own. Most people who grew up in the mountain states and learned to drive there have the same knowledge... so maybe it's just something you learn through making mistakes.

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by Brian_M

I didn't see this, but it is the MOST IMPORTANT information for driving in the winter (I grew up in Wyoming).

RWD, FWD, 4WD, AWD are only good for go.

None of them have anything at all to do with Stopping. It's much more important to be able to stop than to be able to go (in most situations).

Amen!, brother. Also, how to handle a vehicle in a skid--because, sooner or later, they all will do it. And, yes, whether it is RWD, AWD, or 4WD will make a difference in how to drive it in a skid.

[LondonDweller]

Don't worry Brian_M, I understood what you meant. Although your first post was a little confusing at first. I agree that being a smart driver is the most important thing and that leaving yourself adequate stopping distance (no matter if it's RWD FWD AWD or 4WD) is part of being a smart driver.