Hellllllp. People on the roads are crazy. Cars are spinning one way and then another, assholes in 4-wheel drive who think they are invincible and therefore find their own lanes (going twice the posted speed, of course)and little folk who wouldn’t budge above 10 MPH even on a good day. I can’t deal with this another winter. So, my question is: if you do spin in the snow, what is the safest way to regain control of your car. I have heard the following:
1)Steer into or with the direction of your car
2)Steer in the opposite direction of your car
3)Steer to correct the direction that the back end is going
4)It doesn’t matter, you’ll probably end up in a ditch anyway
The easiest way is to take the bus.
Next easiest is not to skid in the first place. Good advice from one who learned to drive in Saskatchewan: “Go slow and never stop.” In other words, be very very gentle on both gas and brake.
If you do skid, steer (still gently!) in the direction the back end is going. Don’t use gas or brakes until you straighten out, then gently pull over and wait for your heart to slow down.
And watch out for the lunatic drivers!
I have only been to Cleveland once. I spent most of my time there in traffic. I have come to the conclusion that it was a very, very bad idea to try to drive in Cleveland on St. Patrick’s day. Ugh.
Just adding to rjk’s excellent advice:
Invest in good tires. It sounds like “all-season” tires are not a good choice in your city; spend the extra money for decent winter tires if you haven’t already. Your life is worth it.
Get your car checked out at the beginning of the winter driving season. If there’s anything wrong with the brakes, steering, or suspension, it will compound any problems the weather throws your way.
Try not to laugh too hard when the more obnoxious 4WD drivers discover they don’t have miracle brakes. It distracts you from your driving.
Good advice on the tires and the steering.
More clearly: steer in the direction you wish the car to go.
Also, a stick is much better for regaining control. Just engage the clutch, and the car will refind grip much more easily. With an auto, you’re DOOMED if you touch the accelerator. Just stay away from any pedal, and steer.
O:k…steer in the direction that I want my car to go and do not touch the gas or brake. Even I can understand that…Thanks Sandra
After spending the past 15 years of my life (since I got my license, actually) driving in Cleveland/Northeast Ohio winters, I am more glad than ever to be living in Northern Virginia this year.
Rasa: The only good thing to do in Cleveland in St. Patrick’s Day is either drink heavily or be elsewhere.
Coldfire’s advice was perfect for regaining control in the snow. (If you aren’t driving a front-wheel-drive car, go buy about three 50-pound bags of play sand from a nursery (or some hardware stores) and put them in your trunk as close to over the rear axle as you can.)
I would point out that, having lived in Metro Cleveland for 20 years, I saw more idiocy last Tuesday night than I have in a long time. It was as if half the drivers took stupid pills before they got in their cars. Cleveland drivers always seem to be surprised when they see new snow, then settle down to knowing how to drive on the second snowfall, but last Tuesday set records for dumbness.