OT-Past Due For The Snow Tires-OT

[randroid]

Folks,

I try to put the studded snow tires on my SAAB around the middle of November, but for a number of reasons I never quite got around to it this year. Last year we only had snow twice so I wasn't too apprehensive but I should have been. Last week we got about 6" of it in one storm during Christmas but again no trouble driving until last Sunday night on the way home from work. We'd gotten about half an inch of fresh snow mid-afternoon but the sun was out and it melted and nothing more was thought about it but when the sun set an hour later all that water froze. I only had one dicey time with the drive home when I was approaching a traffic light where I wanted to make a left turn.

For those in the forum who are not used to driving in snow, it's just like driving on dry streets except it's in slow motion.

A car was parked in the left turn lane about 300 yards ahead of me and since I was doing about 40 mph I began to brake very slightly and the engine immediately died. To save the discussion I'll tell you up-front that when you're on pure ice and have zero traction the only thing brakes are going to stop is the engine. I couldn't feel anything when it died but I saw that car still in front of me closing the gap pretty quick and I knew the next move was mine. Fortunately some snow had been piled between opposing lanes and I steered into it. Snow gives better traction than ice so I was able to re-start the engine and slow down a bunch but needed to get back on my side of the highway before I became one with the opposing traffic so I turned back and killed the engine again. Sliding gracefully toward that car again I accidentally found traction again so the engine restarted and I steered into the outside left turn lane and came to a controlled stop exactly in the right place. The driver of the other car was talking on his cell and never even glanced at me, which makes me think he never noticed. The four cars coming up from behind us noticed, however, and began slowing lots earlier than I had, back where there wasn't any ice. We all made it sanely home, and my studded snow tires were torqued to 78 lbs. this afternoon.

Now I feel better for having told the tale and we're getting into the brutal time of the year so this question may be appropriate: What's the most memorable experience you've had when driving when nobody should be?

-Randy

[Niel Hoback]

The scary thing is the fact that now you have used up your lucky break for this winter. From now on you have to be doubly alert and careful. We've had enough bad news on this forum to last us a long time. Everybody out there, learn from this, SLOW DOWN.

[pflaming]

When I lived in Omaha I always had a pair of studded snow tires and a sack of sand in the trunk, changed them when the streets were dry to make them last. Also, in snow always drove in D or 2, never in OD. Had a 71 Fury III. I did not like a free wheeling car, let the rear tires and the engine slow me down.

Also had a VW Bug. Had good snow tires on it, with the thin tires and a smooth bottom those cars were GREAT snow cars. Good luck to all you in the cold country, it is a challenge to both person and vehical. I'm in central Calif, 52 today with 55% humidtiy, overcast skies, morning ground fog.

[randroid]

Folks,

I should have been a little more specific about driving conditions. I was driving about twenty-five under the limit and there had been no ice on the road up to that point. The ice was there due to the shape and slant of the highway, which I didn't anticipate but sure will in the future.

After living twenty years in a four block long tourist town that hosts five million visitors in four months I became a very defensive driver and rarely find myself in tight situations.

-Randy

[Niel Hoback]

Randroid, I didn't mean in any way to infer that you were not being cautious. I am sorry if I gave that impression, i really didn't mean it that way. I know I am just turning into a curmudgeon. When I read my post I immediately heard it in my Dad's voice. Geez. But still, knowing me, a reminder isn't a bad thing. I guess its because I have done so many stupid things on bad roads that could have been prevented simply by slowing down some.

[randroid]

Niel,

Thanks but no apology is necessary. I understood what you were saying the first time through, and I understand about becoming a curmudgeon; it occurred to me a few years ago that I've been driving for over forty years and have never received a moving violation. I've deserved a ton of them but was always stupid where there were no cops, so now my driving is becoming even more conservative because I want to keep a perfect slate. I'm becoming one of those old f*rts we all despised when we were just learning to drive.

I hope nobody ever doesn't criticize me because they're worried about hurting my feelings.

Your friend,

-Randy