Venting Frustration - For Those Who Drive...

[bombardiette.livejournal.com]

OK. It's winter. It snows a lot in New England in the winter. Much like the sun setting and rising, it's a sure thing every winter. And yet, as each year progresses, driving during the winter gets worse. I blame it on the rising number of people who have never driven in the snow before. Every morning during or after a snow fall, on my way to work, I have slalomed my way around accidents and idiots who are about to cause an accident because they are deathly afraid of driving in the weather.

With that said,

+ Buy good tires. It'll cost less than paying through the nose for your insurance increase and deductibles after you hit someone b/c your tires suck.
+ CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS!!! This cannot be stressed enough. If you can't see, you will hit things. Brushes are cheap.
+ Keep your windshield washer fluid full. (This aids in window cleaning and thus, seeing)
+ Make sure that your defroster works. It too, will help you see.

If you can't drive in snow, have never driven in snow or are afraid to drive in snow (but do it anyway) here are some ideas to help:

Take your car to the nearest empty lot at night and practice. Learn how much it takes to make your car start to slide; learn how to counter steer when your car starts to slide; learn what your braking time and distance is on snow. Don't be afraid of the car - you will crash if you jerk the wheel. Driving on snowy roads requires a feather light touch. If you're used to your vehicle and it's reactions, you won't be scared when it happens and you'll be able to correct a spin or slide without getting hurt or hitting anyone.
Never look anywhere other than where you want to go. Focus only on where you want the car to move, not to what's going on in the ditch. That's how people end up in ditches on snowy roads. And for the love of God, don't ride on the corner of the tractor trailer in the next lane. PASS IT. The faster you get past the truck, the faster you'll be away from the truck.


You know, I'm not afraid of the winter weather. I AM afraid of people who don't take the time to learn how to safely and effectively drive in it. With that number growing exponentially in this area, my nerves are shot. If these tips fail, take public transportation until spring. Your fellow motorists lives aren't worth it.

I just had to share. Sorry. Flame away if you're so inclined.

Comments

[catalyst.livejournal.com]

     it's all part of my effort to put my tres-chic "defend somerville" shirt to good use.

[komos.livejournal.com]

I'm just tickled to be one of the barbarians at the gate. ^_^