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Unable to drive on ice, now see others
Posted: Feb 23, 2015
I remember well this time last year when Atlanta was like a laughing stock, hundreds if not thousands stranded out on the freeways for several days, people sometimes leaving their cars where they were and trying to make it to a place to get something to eat, warmth. People laughed about how come you are not able to drive. You see people thought we had snow when actually it was a coat of ice. Now looks like others are in the same shape we were in with ice coating streets. Makes it a hard day for driving, right? ;
For anyone not prepared it is difficult - sm
[ In Reply To ..]Just like southerners think people who live up north must be crazy, we northerners are somewhat amused to see how unprepared the southerners are when confronted with a bit of ice and snow.
We have tons of salt and sand ready to go, hundreds of snow plows and drivers on call. I drive a 4-wheel drive with dedicated snow and ice tires. People in the mountains carry chains. It does appear funny to watch people try to shovel with what appears to be toy shovels.
However, that said, give me a 95 degree day with 90% humidity and I would absolutely die. My husband is an HVAC technician and he would rather work with people without heat than people without their air conditioning. People without air conditioning are way too mean and grumpy, although we are rapidly losing our sense of humor this long winter.
Even for people used to it you have to relearn a bit every winter - Nik
[ In Reply To ..]I live in the north and have coped with snow, ice, blizzards all my life. At the beginning of every winter there is that "hmm" moment where you realize you have put your brain in winter driving mode again. And I think cell phones have made us too complacent about bad things that can happen if you're not prepared with a winter survival kit in your car.
Yep, every winter...sm - Relearner.
[ In Reply To ..]...I am surprised when I hit the season's first patch of black ice. That is when I realize it is time to pay attention to road conditions again and mentally review how to correct when fish-tailing.
Winter survival kits - sm
[ In Reply To ..]When I traveled to work every day, winter preparations were quite the ordeal. First, I always carried sand, some old rugs, and a good shovel for if I got stuck. Then, of course, jumper cables, a tow rope, extra blankets, a can for melting snow, matches, candles, snacks, a flashlight, and car lock de-icer. Before I even got into the car, there were the long underwear, wind pants, parka, double layer mittens, face mask and/or snowmobile boots and suit. I also brought along an extra change of clothes in case I was "snowed in" somewhere.
It was really a great thing when cell phones came out (with reception!). Every few years someone would become stranded in a snowstorm and try to walk to a destination only to freeze to death within sight of the destination.
I only got stuck on the road in a blizzard once. I literally could not see the front of my car and hit a snow drift. Got out to take a look and the wind was so strong I swear it was sucking the air out of my lungs. While driving, at one point I looked to the right and I thought I saw the road, I almost turned to get back on the road, when I realized this dark strip was a river that ran next to the road for a ways! Thank God I did not turn into it! It took me 4 hours to travel 10 miles.
I am so glad I work from home now.
Rule Number One - For Driving on Ice
[ In Reply To ..]Rule number one is DO NOT SLAM ON THE BRAKES. And when you do hit the brakes, do not keep your foot on the brakes. This will cause you to skid like no tomorrow. Snow tires don't help in this type of situation. Gently pump the brakes.
Don't try to steer in the opposite direction of the skid. It's a natural reaction to want to correct it, but this only makes it worse. Lift your foot off the brake and do not accelerate.
I drove in snow and ice for years and never had an accident--but I tell you, I'll take snow any day. At least you have some traction with snow.
It is true, too, that up north is more equipped to get in gear with salt, sand and equipment. We have big igloos filled with salt, ready to be loaded onto the truck.
It takes practice, and every year there might be a surprise. Always "feel" the road with the car before going full speed ahead. Start off slow, touch the brake lightly before accelerating to full speed--if you don't swerve at all while braking, you're probably okay.
And so I moved to Florida 13 years ago, LOL.
Anti-lock braking systems - sm
[ In Reply To ..]Most of the cars up north have anti-lock braking systems. This means you do not manually pump the brakes, the car has sensors and does this for you. I do "feather" on the brakes at times. Also the rule we were taught is called "steer into the skid." If the back end of your car is sliding up on the right side to your front, you steer to the right (and vice versa) or "steer into the skid". Sometimes you have to give it just a bit of gas as you are doing this (with a front wheel drive) to straighten out. It is hard to do until you get used to it because it just does not seem right. I actually love to drive on an empty icy parking lot to do this. I drove on snowy, icy, blizzard roads for 20 years, but now I am glad to work from home.
This crash just happened in Maine - Mary
[ In Reply To ..]I'm certainly not going to even begin to criticize anyone from Maine of being able to not drive in snow or ice. This link is to a big story in the news of an enormous pileup that happened this morning in Etna, near Bangor. When a road is slippery, nobody can "drive." Rubber plus ice means slip and slide. I am just so thankful that there were no lives lost in this crash.
Glad you are not critizing but others not from the south - did, like anyone could do this
[ In Reply To ..]I heard plenty of comments about how southern folks could not drive on the snow last year when people stranded on the interstates. It was not snow but ice. I do not laugh at others but we sure were. I really believe in Karma.
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