I only have two experiences with vehicles and ice:
When I was about 8, my mom, aunt, sister and I were traveling from San Antonio to Dallas for Thanksgiving. It was super cold that year and about 2 hours into our drive we rain into some sleet. The roads were incredibly slick and the ice was sticking to the highway. Mom slowed her speed so as to keep a good distance between her and the other vehicles. She still managed to hit a patch of ice and the car spun. It was crazy – and SO scary!!
Several years later, we’d had a bit of ice in San Antonio. Most of it had melted when a friend and I decided we were going to play pool. He hit a patch of black ice and bumped the car in front of us.
In both instances, there were no injuries and the cars came out unscathed. But the experiences left an impression. I won’t drive if there’s even a possibility of ice. Luckily, San Antonio only ices about once a year and the entire city closes on that day!
My husband has had a very different driving experience and is used to driving in the snow and ice. He has some tips to keep you safe.
Tips for Driving on Snow or Ice:
- Drive slowly.
- Speed up and slow down slowly so you don’t spin out.
- Leave a ton of space (at least 5 car lengths) between yourself and the car in front of you.
- Snow and ice impact your stopping distance. If your car takes longer to brake, know how much time you need to stop.
- Be soft with the gas pedal.
- Avoid hitting your brakes. Don’t stop unless you have to!
- If you have to go uphill, don’t stop.
- If staying home is an option, stay there!
Most of these tips are conditional. Use your best judgement as this advice is just based on my husband’s experiences.
What are your best tips for driving on snow or ice?
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