How many of us will admit we CAN'T drive in snow?
By mzbubblie
@mzbubblie (3839)
United States
January 17, 2007 5:41pm CST
I moved up to Northern Virginia in 1999. Throughout the years I attempted to drive when it snows or if it's snowing and I panic. The first slide, the first person I see slide on the road I freak out. Being I have already convinced myself, I shouldn't be on the road I will take off work or go get things I need BEFORE the snow hits. I know the times I have been on the road, I know I see people that shouldn't be on the road, furthermore, the people who speeds passed you like it's summer and the sun beaming down, temp about 85 with dry roads. (Those people scare me also). Or the people I know I pray for that just try and be really careful driving about 1mph. Those people scare me too. I've heard people say Oh, I got a SUV, or I got this on my car. I still feel you have to be careful reguardless of what you have on your vehicle. So this topic is who truly will admit they can't drive in the snow? Who will admit they can't drive in the snow, but have no choice? And for the pros who CAN drive in the snow, Give us non-snow drivers some helpful advice please....
8 people like this
45 responses
@OOHCUTE2340 (761)
• United States
18 Jan 07
You haven't gotten some good advice! I grew up driving in the snow in New England. I am now also living in Virginia ;) --
The key for me here has been to keep moving -- I noticed that a lot of Virgina folk tend to go tooooo slow and brake tooooooooo often. A steady low speed, and when you slide a little resist the temptation to slam on the breaks it makes it much, much, worse, just let the car slide and by turning slightly in that direction, and easing to correct direction will get you going again. Find a friend who knows how to snow drive, have them take you to remote areas for "practice" going up and down hills, spinning out, braking etc.
The only way in my opinion for you to learn this is to just do it -- there is a difference in driving on just fallen snow, compacted snow, ice, black ice etc. -- It is wonderful (I think) that you want to do this - and for that desire alone I know you will become a "great" snow driver :) -- Eventually you will be going when everyone else is stuck and in a snowbank -- Don't stop for them you will never get up the hill better to use your phone and call help for them. :) Good Luck :)
@chimex4real2k2 (1853)
• Nigeria
17 Jan 07
the key to driving in the snow in momentum.
if you have to get up a snow covered hill you cant creep up it, you should get as much speed as you can and try to coast up it and maintain a constant speed. acceleration and stoping are the hardist things to do. if you start sliding get off the brakes and use the stearing as "skis" till tou regain traction.
its easy as long as your not scared. the best thing to do esp. since the schools are closed is go to a large parking lot, try to find one you are familar with and drive at various speeds and try to turn learn the limits of the car in the snow prectis stoping and pulling out. all cars/trucks act diffrent in the snow, its all about knowing the car you are driving.
Goood luck in your driving
1 person likes this
@mzbubblie (3839)
• United States
18 Jan 07
Thank you for your helpful information. It's so funny to me I have been driving for 18 years and never been so frightened of driving since 99...lol Thank you for responding....and thank you for the helpful information....
@kesfylstra (1868)
• United States
18 Jan 07
HA! I'm just glad to see a southerner actually admit they don't know how to drive in snow. My advice is that it takes practice! That's why those of us who have grown up in snowy areas know how too... because we always have!
@mzbubblie (3839)
• United States
18 Jan 07
Exactly...I was born in Alabama we got rain no snow..lol and My safety as well as someone elses is important to me...thank you for responding
@blanksolid (1631)
• Spain
18 Jan 07
I cant drive in snow very well, its important knowing the road and how the snow works on her, have a nice day on mylot and happy earnings also.
@mzbubblie (3839)
• United States
18 Jan 07
Thank you for your response, and as far as snow goes, I stick inside with the other cautious nervous snow drivers like myself :)
@fluffhead (79)
• United States
18 Jan 07
The key is not to be overconfident. The best cars to drive are ones with front wheel drive and studden snow tires. You get more traction and grip that way. Always be aware of suvs because most of their drivers feel invincible and don't realize you have to learn to drive in snow.
When driving, do everything slower and smoother (starting, stopping, turning). Like someone said earlier (didn't catch your user name, sorry) momentum is absolutly key when going up a hill.
Also make sure you clean all the snow off your car. Nothing is more annoying then having a hugs mass of snow get blown off someone's roof right onto your windshield and blinding your momentarily.
@mzbubblie (3839)
• United States
18 Jan 07
Thank you and very very helpful...I will def take this advice, However, I don't think I'm ready..lol I know silly to say, I sound real nervous just knowing. I'm not even good backing out the driveway if the snow hadn't been plowed..again great advice thank you
@fluffhead (79)
• United States
18 Jan 07
forgot to mention-if you are in a parking lot, before setting out onto the road-hit the gas hard, and then slam the brakes to see what the reaction to those will be in current weather conditions. I always do those when I start my drive in bad weather.
@JCarroll5781 (79)
• United States
18 Jan 07
I was born and Raised in North carolina. We didnt see alot of snow there so the little bit that they do get evryone tends to freak out. Now that i'm living up North and we do get snow. I can honestly admit i DONT know how to drive in it and I've definitely seen a few that cant as well. Plain and simple if you cant drive in the ice and snow, STAY in!! like ME. hahahaha
@mzbubblie (3839)
• United States
18 Jan 07
I will co-sign your statement 100%, if you can't drive in the snow stay off the road :) thank you for responding...
@mzbubblie (3839)
• United States
18 Jan 07
I understand, just be careful out there. and Some of the posters have some really good advice, hopefully, it will help you as well...
@samwilliams06 (946)
• United States
18 Jan 07
I drove in snow for the first time this year and i think i did pretty well. i made it in one piece so that says alot to me..lol Anyway. Im used to living in warm climates. I do ok in snow now But I can say that If its raining too hard I will stop and pullover to the side of the road till it stops
@ronita34 (3922)
• Canada
18 Jan 07
Actually i think that the best advice ever when it comes to driving on icy and snowy roads is DO NOT USE YOUR BRAKES you are guarenteed to slide and not in a controlled way. Never intiate your brakes if you are sliding you have to drive out of it. Just remember always take your time and drive the way you feel safe!
@DenisenJess (29)
• United States
18 Jan 07
I will definitely admit that I can't drive in snow. I was born and raised in Florida...the sunshine state where it just doesn't snow. So when I moved to North Carolina and tried to drive for the first time in it, I can honestly say that I was scared out of my wits. I just took it slow, got a feel for the road (since driving on ice has a much different feel than driving on pavement obviously) and before long, it wasn't too bad. yes, I went through many white-knuckle journeys but I finally got somewhat used to it and became a little more relaxed.
@contusion12878 (669)
• United States
18 Jan 07
I absolutely hate driving in the snow. Ive had bad expierinces driving in the snow but thankfully no accidents. The best advice I can give you while driving in snow is keep the car in a lower gear. Dont slam on your breaks. Try to let the car slow itself down before you hit the breaks. Give yourself plenty of time to get somewhere and room between you and the driver infront of you. Im sure you are an excellent driver, and wont have anyproblems. Being afraid will actually make you more aware to so that can be a good thing. Best of luck to you!
@mzbubblie (3839)
• United States
18 Jan 07
Being afraid, makes me nervous which could go either way. Thank you for the helpful advice. The only thing I knew was don't slam on breaks...
@carlaabt (3504)
• United States
18 Jan 07
I absolutely hate driving in snow. Unfortunately right now we are stationed in Minot, ND! Once the snow and ice hit, they are here for good because it doesn't get back above freezing for a while.
I don't drive when it's icy out if I can at all help it. Yesterday I had to go to the commisary and I saw two people slide right through stop signs. And this was in a 15 mph zone.
What really gets me, though, is when you see the idiots driving really fast down the highway with like Florida license plates on their big SUV's. More often than not, you see them a couple miles down the road stuck in a ditch. And in ND you are required to stop and offer assistance. Luckily, I am not required to, though, because I am a female and anytime I am the one driving I have my infant son in the car. If my husband is driving, though, we do have to stop. It sucks.
@vasanth_star37 (96)
• India
19 Jan 07
i'm damn sure it is really impossible to drive in snow..it also little scray since it will be very slippery...driving without practice risks your life
@cherhost (1072)
• United States
18 Jan 07
Iwas born and raised in Chicago, I do know how to drive in the snow. To be honest with you I drive faster in the winter then in the summer. There are more kids out in the summer and then in the winter. I just know how to do it I can not give you tips unless I was in the car with you. But just tkae your time. THe key to it all is to be safe! And if you are ever unsure of yourself chances are you are right the first time. Hope you can get over the snow soon
@spcbrass (1190)
• United States
18 Jan 07
Driving in the snow is not all that difficult once you have learned how. In fact when I learned to drive one of the first thigs I did was learn to drive in the snow. The key is to maintan a steady speed and to be as smooth with the steering as possible when going around corners or curves. You don't want to ever be suddenly braking either so allow at least twice the normal following distance when following other cars. I recommed three times the distance just to be safe. Keep two hands on the wheel but don't grip it so that your life depends on it. Grip it firmly but not so much that your knuckles turn white. Gripping too hard will cause you to have jerky reactions while steering. When you do have to apply the brakes do so steaadily not suddenly. You brake pedal also works like your accelerator. Don't just jam your foot to the floor to stop, increase the pressure steadily and you will not slide or lose control. This doesn't mean be slow, just be fluid.
And above all keep alert of others around you and stay calm. Panicing is what leads to most accidents in the winter time. When you do slip and slide don't go crazy with your steering adjustments or your braking. Slight adjustments will get your car riding smoothly again.
Stay calm, stay alert, and stay safe.
@AmberNormandin (883)
• United States
18 Jan 07
its not the snow that bothers me, its the ICE. I live in Oklahoma and im sure you've heard of the ice storm that came through. Well only the main roads are cleared right now, so i have been forced to drive on solid ice roads for the past few days unless i wanted to stay cooped up in the house any longer. Im honestly more nervous RIDING with someone who's driving on ice, than me actually driving. i just realized that with this ice storm.