Some Notes on Snow

Any experienced driver that has spent some time in the Northeast can tell you the basics of snow driving. Slower speeds, longer stopping distances, be ready to use the horn, very little braking, increased following distances, and if at all possible, just stay home. Today's storm (25" in Watertown, and at this blog writing at 12:30pm, it is still spitting snow) presents us with the opportunity to talk about the LONG term effects of the snow storm.

Today, this storm is all over the news. It is on the front of everyone's mind, and thus, MOST people are following the guidelines of New England Snow Driving.

Tangent. I say MOST because during Friday's snow storm, I was traveling on Route 8 South at 15 MPH, mostly because I couldn't see as snow was falling at 2"/hour. I drive a Greep Grand Cherokee Limited, 4WD with a V8. I was being PASSED, not once, but 3 times, by cars that had no business being on the road at all, let alone at 50+ MPH during a blizzard. These people, Need All-Star.

Back on track. Tomorrow and into the weekend, our short memories will start to forget about Snow Day Wednesday. However, it will be just as important to watch our speeds and most importantly, INCREASED FOLLOWING DISTANCE. Buses, 18 Wheelers, Large trucks, conversion vans, commercial vehicles, and Ford Excursions are very hard to clean off completely in even a small snow storm. As these vehicles stay parked today and tomorrow, the snow will settle onto the roofs. Until you are directly behind the truck on I-84 and the wind blows just right, sending a sheet of 2' of snow directly into your car.

Into this weekend, keep your following distance GREATLY EXTENDED. There is no safe way to avoid a sheet of flying snow and ice at highway speeds if you are only 3 seconds behind a truck. Following the law? Yes. Safe? Not really. Doubling this following distance will give you the time you need to See the problem, Identify the solution, Prepare to move, Decide where to go, and Execute! Be weary of the people you are sharing the road with days and weeks after the snow storm and you will keep your car, your passengers, and yourself safe.

Enjoy the snow day! Until Soon...

BD