Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 09:37:22 EST
Reply-To: KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Subject: Snow Driving was: NOT a Fryeday Funnie
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
I would say Amen to your statement. More people get into accidents because
when it starts to snow or rain they feel like they need to take a drive (most
of these people own annoying SUVs and need to justify thier purchase of these
beasts when they never use the 4 wheel drive). So they take a trip to the
Mall to hangout or go to Burger King, etc and get into trouble.
My advice to anyone who has a car that they care about, STAY HOME if at all
possible when the weather is bad. Sit back, have some tea, read a book,
spend some extra time with your loved ones. Going out on the road on a bad
day for no good reason is just asking for it.
2nd advice: Go slow! I don't know how many times I have been in the middle
of a snow storm and been going along carefully, when some goofball in a SUV
flies by me going 65 mph. Then a few minutes later I pass him, spun out on
the side of the road. I don't care how good your 4 wheel drive is or your
tires are. Snow is slippery. Rain can cause you to hydroplane. Use some
common sense and go slower than normal. Usually you can feel when the car
starts to slide a little, go below that speed no matter how slow it is. It
could mean the difference of getting there 20 minutes late (people will
understand) and not getting there at all.
Also allow yourself alot more room to stop. I usually start applying the
brakes 50 to 75 yards before I get to the stop sign. That way you avoid
sliding through the stop sign into the path of an on coming truck. I did
this once when I first drove in the snow and I was spared. After that lesson
I have tried to be overly careful.
Finally, realize that although you may be an excellent and seasoned snow
driver, others around may not be (one of the many reasons to stay at home).
If someone else is driving agressively behind you or in front of you, it
could be a good idea to just pull over and let them go on thier way.
This is my normal, seasonal post about snow driving. Have a great winter
everyone!
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
http://www.vanagain.com
John 3:16
New Phone (856)-327-4936
Shop: (856)-765-1583
Fax: (856)-327-2242