ALT-1 Driving in Snow Ice and Rain
Driving in winter weather conditions takes a special skill, and if you live anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon line, it is essential to be educated in the ways of safely accomplishing this task. Unlike a clear, dry pavement found on a warm, sunny day, the season of winter in northern regions will bring snow, ice, or a combination of both beneath your wheels. As a consequence, the manner in which you drive must be changed.
The first thing a driver must do is slow down. Posted speed limits are designed to be observed only in optimum weather; in daylight and on a dry, clear road surface. When roads are covered with snow and/or ice, you need more stopping distance; not only to avoid an accident with the car in front of you, but also to ensure that you can stop at that upcoming intersection. When roads are obstructed with snow or ice, they will be slippery, and you will have less control over your vehicle. If you begin to slide, turn your steering wheel in the direction of the slide. At first thought, this may not seem logical, but what happens when turning in the opposite direction of a slide is a more pronounced tailspin and hence a greater chance of ending up in a ditch. Most cars today have anti-lock brakes as standard equipment. These types of brakes are engineered not to lock up when a driver panics and slams on them. They instead pump repetitively until the vehicle comes to a stop. Optional Electronic Stabilization further keeps the car on a straight path should it go into a skid. If you drive an older model not equipped with these features, then you must pump the brakes yourself to reduce sliding.
By far, the worst weather condition a driver can find him/herself in is freezing rain. The road will be coated with a film of solid ice and it becomes extremely hazardous to negotiate. Many people mistakenly believe that 4-wheel or all-wheel drive will negate these dangers, but when you are dealing with a glazed ice surface, the increased number of wheels on your drivetrain will be of little if any help. You will still slide uncontrollably. Quite frankly, driving in freezing rain should be avoided altogether, but if it must be done, it is prudent to do so very slowly. Similarly, some people feel invincible in trucks or SUV's. Because of their higher center of gravity, these types of vehicles are actually more likely to flip if the driver loses control.
Some items will come in handy and should be placed aboard any vehicle set to travel in winter driving conditions. First, make sure your tires have sufficient tread before you embark on any journey; long or short. Pack a snow shovel or cardboard in the trunk in case you get stuck in the snow or ice. There is also a product advertised on television that goes under the name, Tow Truck in a Box. It is inexpensive and can be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere at 3:00 AM. Make sure you have a set of jumper cables on hand. Everybody should carry these throughout the year, but they are especially needed during the cold months. In colder temperatures, batteries operate at a fraction of their marked power. If you spend 8 hours at work and it's 15 below zero outside, you may find that your car won't start at the end of your shift! It's a lot faster and cheaper to get a coworker to give you a jump-start than to call a tow truck/jumper service! It's a good idea to pack extra blankets in case you have to sit awhile before being rescued, and speaking of rescues, get a cell phone! This certainly beats what we had to do in earlier decades, which was to walk to the nearest pay phone. Finally, top off your gas each time it gets down to around half a tankful. You just may need to run that engine for awhile to get heat in the event you are stranded.
Driving in rain (provided the temperatures are warm) is much easier than doing so in snowy or icy weather. However, it should be noted that in a light rain or when it first begins to rain, the oils from asphalt and tires themselves can make the road surface slippery. In a heavy or long period period of rain, these oils will be washed off the pavement. Otherwise, you should still drive at slower speeds. Obviously, if you find yourself in a torrential downpour where you can't see 10 feet beyond the windshield, you should pull over until the rain subsides.
If you follow these basic tips and take your time getting to your destination, you can become comfortable and confident driving in all types of weather.
