Is driving in the snow dangerous? read below?

Vince M

I agree that it depends on the route taken and that you should check with the local highway department or police.

In California, for instance, Interstate 80, over the Sierra Nevada Mountains is called an "All Weather Highway," but some storms are severe enough to shut the road down, sometimes for hours, when the snowplows can't keep up with the precipitation.

As far as danger, on major highways like that one, generally, the worst that happens is that cars get turned back at the checkpoints set up. But not every road has these checkpoints and, people DO get stranded in their cars. If they are prepared, with enought and adequate clothing, water and food, they do fine until rescue comes. If not ...

And, this doesn't even address the driving conditions of slick roads, poor visibility, high winds, etc.

IF you still intend to go, (and there's no reason not to, as long as the roads are open) then go prepared with, properly fitting tire chains, extra chain tigheners, heavy coats and some extra blankets, drinking water and some high energy food, (to stow under your seat, not for snacking on the way) a basic first aid kit, a fully charged cell phone and a well maintained car.

So, do the research, make your preparations, drive CAREFULLY and, when you get there, have fun!

terrellfastball

Winter conditions make any driving more hazardous.

Suggestions, leave earlier and watch it snow while at your destination.
Postpone the trip until after storm is over and roads cleared.
Plan on extra travel time, lots of it.
Be sure to carry emergency food and supplies, including blankets.
Never leave your vehicle while it is still storming. You need the protection from the wind and cold, your vehicle is easier to find than a person buried under a snow drift.

UCANTCME

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

Keep your lights and windshield clean.

Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

Don't use cruise control or overdrive on snow covered roads.

Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Invest in snow chains just in case.

scoutma53

I strongly advise you check with the local "Highway Hotline" before setting off. Snow doesn't come straight down, you can turn a corner and there will be a huge drift across the road.

sloopy

It can be if you don't know what you're doing or haven't driven in bad conditions before.
Do you have chains for your vehicle?
Do you know how to put them on?
Is it a 4x4 vehicle or All Wheel Drive Vehicle?
Sometimes, going 1 mph can be dangerous if it's too fast for conditions. I remember one of our big interstate trucks was going about 1 or 2 miles an hour on a slick, icy road and the whole rig just slid off into the bar ditch. He was charged with a preventable accident as even at that slow speed, it was too fast for conditions.
Yes, you can drive on snow packed highways. Just be extra cautious, don't go fast, drive defensively, rest oftem if you start to get up tight. If you get stuck in a snowstorm or blizzard, well, that's another story. I have and I wouldn't want to get stuck out in one again, Thank You.

bobbovienzo@sbcglobal.net

you can drive in the snow. just go very slow, allow 2x the time you usually do for braking, and do not make any quick turns or stops. here in ct., we get A LOT of snow, so i've learned from experience.

helpful bob

People have given you great advice here always check road conditions etc and drive defensively and all plenty of space.If your state or country allows snow chains get some bec they can help a lot when driving in the snow especially around mountains etc.

Hope that helps and best of luck. By the way driving in the rain is actually the most dangerous of all.

Sunnyboy

You're so not going to make it home alive

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