Drive like a pro, thanks to tips from a pro over at Popular Mechanics.
Teaser:
In eight years as a truck driver, Alan Wrobel has driven 810,000 miles (accident-free) in 45 states and Ontario. He now covers Ohio, Michigan, Ontario, and Wisconsin for a beverage distributor. Here’s his advice on how to handle yourself when the snow starts falling:
When you face a nasty winter storm, use your best judgment. Don’t go out unless you have to, and always make sure you have an emergency kit, warm blankets, and rations in the car. Now, here are some tips, basic and advanced, to help ensure you won’t need to use that emergency kit.
Relax:
Breathe and stay calm. Panic causes people to overreact. You need to focus.
Slow Down:
Drive only as fast as your abilities and the capabilities of the vehicle permit for the road conditions. If you’re out of practice on snow and ice, slow down. If your tires are bad, slow down. If your car has a low ride height, it won’t handle accumulating snow well. Again, just slow down.
Be Smooth:
Your actions need to be controlled and deliberate. Hard acceleration, hard braking, and sharp curves all decrease traction. Maintain a consistent speed, open up the distance between you and the car ahead, and be easy on the brakes. Steer gently, and remember that inertia will be a factor.
Read the whole thing so you don’t end up like this guy:
