Driving on Snow & Ice

I noticed this weekend that the only state that did not get snow this weekend was Florida.  The best advice I can give to those people who live in the southern states for driving in winter weather conditions – don’t do it.   Seriously, some people fret over the idea of snow and ice  and create anxiety that others really don’t need on the road.  If you are slightest bit apprehensive, stay home.

This past weekend, throughout the south, was a prime example of people who shouldn’t be on the road.  I will thank the various local news stations for telling people to stay home. That did a great job of keeping many people off the roads and minimizing the chaos.  The others on the road who ventured out, I would surmise it was a 50/50 mix of the confident and the not so confident.

If you must get out in the snow and ice, here’s a few common sense tips that might help:

1. Use a light touch when you accelerate
2. Don’t use cruise control
3. BE CAREFUL ON BRIDGES
4. Keep your lights on so others can see you.
5. Decrease your speed and leave a greater distance between you and the others on the road.

If your wheels start to skid:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go.
3. Go easy on the brakes.  Try not to panic and go hard on the brakes, this just makes things worse.

I will say that winter driving is a learned skill.  If you are unsure of your skills, maybe skill building driver programs can be looked into, or a hands on driver safety school.

Its helpful to get some practice, but when you have to worry about it once or twice a year, maybe it is best to stay home if you’re not comfortable on the roads.