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Originally Posted by rajushank84 My question is: I have never seen snow, and I had put off the idea of driving on snow until I actually see it and have a small trial with some other driver's presence. I am jittery about being the only driver in the car when I have no idea how it will feel. What is your opinion? Piece of cake? Or should I go with my own pace/instinct? |
Today morning i drove to office in snow. It took me 30 minutes as opposed to the usual 15-18 minutes because everyone else was also driving cautiously.
Following are a few tips that i had gleaned from the net for first time snow drivers, combined with little bit of personal experience:
1. Lane changes are very risky. So, avoid them as much as possible. If you do have to make a lane change, prepare very very much in advance and do it slowly, while making sure there is enough gap between you and the car in front as well as the one behind. Signal your intent to lane change well in advance.
2. Ramps are another area very prone to accidents so be very very cautious.
3. Always be mindful of your increased stopping distance, even when stopping at a red light or a stop sign.
4. NO SUDDEN MOVEMENTS. I have to say this in upper case.
5. If you have never experienced ABS kicking in, then be prepared for the brake pedal to pulsate. Its normal.
6. Practice if possible. Take your car to an empty parking lot with some snow on it and get a feel of how your car will behave in snow. It does not mean that you attempt the slalom test. Just observe your car's changed behaviour in terms of stopping distances, turning, starting from stop.
7. Avoid stopping in deep snow. If you do, then start slowly in order to have maximum traction.
8. If you are in an area where it snows a lot and you dont have AWD, then think of investing in winter tires. People also recommend putting sand bags in the trunk so that you get more traction.
9. If you do get into a skid, turn the wheels in the direction of the skid.
10. If possible and if you can afford it, take a course in winter driving.
EDIT: 11. Heat the car up before you start and switch on the rear and front defoggers, specially the front one because it will help keep snow off your windscreen and wont let it stick.
12. Be nice to other road users and clear the snow off your car before starting. At the same time, be aware that chunks of snow can fall from other vehicles around you.
The most important thing is, dont panic and go at your own pace. Dont let tailgaters bully you into doing something you are not comfortable with.