Snow?!?

[scooterbug44]

You CAN drive on ice - you just have to know what you are doing and most importantly SLOW the heck down! People drive on frozen lakes and rivers - even with semis, check out "Ice Road Truckers"!

A lack of gravel is not the main cause of that accident IMO. People following too closely and typically standing on their brakes to stop are.

Not saying ice is the preferred driving surface or that others would be accident free in the same conditions, but you typically don't have a 27 car pileup because people are driving appropriately for the conditions and know what they are doing.

If it makes you feel any better, most Northerners try to stay off the roads during the first big snow because even those gloating tundra folks need to remember/relearn how to drive in those conditions and more accidents occur.

 

[Sheila]

You CAN drive on ice - you just have to know what you are doing and most importantly SLOW the heck down! People drive on frozen lakes and rivers - even with semis, check out "Ice Road Truckers"!

A lack of gravel is not the main cause of that accident IMO. People following too closely and typically standing on their brakes to stop are.

Not saying ice is the preferred driving surface or that others would be accident free in the same conditions, but you typically don't have a 27 car pileup because people are driving appropriately for the conditions and know what they are doing.

If it makes you feel any better, most Northerners try to stay off the roads during the first big snow because even those gloating tundra folks need to remember/relearn how to drive in those conditions and more accidents occur.

One of the local TV stations took a camera crew out to a busy intersection yesterday. The majority of the cars had no problem when they hit the icy spots. Then there were the, "oh shhheeeetttt it's ice, let me stand up on my brake pedal", variety. They interviewed one guy that fit the latter category, with his Taco Bell bag on his lap and his excuse was, "the road just gave out on me!" Another, female this time says, "I think my tires are a little bald!" At least it's been entertaining.

 

[Lynnie]

One of the local TV stations took a camera crew out to a busy intersection yesterday. The majority of the cars had no problem when they hit the icy spots. Then there were the, "oh shhheeeetttt it's ice, let me stand up on my brake pedal", variety. They interviewed one guy that fit the latter category, with his Taco Bell bag on his lap and his excuse was, "the road just gave out on me!" Another, female this time says, "I think my tires are a little bald!" At least it's been entertaining.

I saw those interviews - they were funny.

I've seen those truck drivers on ice. The difference I think is the wide open spaces so if/when there is a mishap, it most likely is not a crash into another vehicle, telephone/electric pole or flipping, like one car did here. And, they are quite impressive on those runs.

Normal street driving with icy conditions poses many more issues.

 

[scooterbug44]

Normal street driving with icy conditions poses many more issues.

Like Papa Scooterbug encouraging me to practice controlled skids in friends' cul-de-sacs..................and Mama Scooterbug finding out about it.

Seriously, you CAN drive on ice - you just have to keep your motions small, your speed reduced, and your touch on either pedal light - major issues for most drivers - especially those who think 4 wheel drive makes them invincible and has some magic effect on their braking distance.

Though I must admit that a stick shift on ice is a pain - especially when you are starting uphill.

 

[Lynnie]

Like Papa Scooterbug encouraging me to practice controlled skids in friends' cul-de-sacs..................and Mama Scooterbug finding out about it.

Seriously, you CAN drive on ice - you just have to keep your motions small, your speed reduced, and your touch on either pedal light - major issues for most drivers - especially those who think 4 wheel drive makes them invincible and has some magic effect on their braking distance.

Though I must admit that a stick shift on ice is a pain - especially when you are starting uphill.

Agreed. We all had our lessons, too; although, not every year like you did. Seems like instinct, but you'd be surprised.

 

[Douglas the Intrepid]

Like Papa Scooterbug encouraging me to practice controlled skids in friends' cul-de-sacs..................and Mama Scooterbug finding out about it.

Seriously, you CAN drive on ice - you just have to keep your motions small, your speed reduced, and your touch on either pedal light - major issues for most drivers - especially those who think 4 wheel drive makes them invincible and has some magic effect on their braking distance.

Though I must admit that a stick shift on ice is a pain - especially when you are starting uphill.

As a former yankee, I have to say though its very possible to drive on ice, it still sucks! ;-) I remember when I took my very first car (75 camaro) out on an icy road for the first time seemingly centuries ago, and quickly found myself doing a 360!

 

[scooterbug44]

I got to drive our tank of a Suburban in those conditions - gotta love that long wheel base on ice!

 

[kathydwells]

KD, I noticed you said beer and food, not food and beer. But I did hear a rumor about a football game tonight, so maybe that's the reason.

Priorities sweetie! Love the picture!!!!

roll tide darlene!

gttbm - you are cracking me up

Thank you Tootsie! I am a happy Bama Girl!

I am a popsicle.

I am a block of ice. 10 degrees here tonight with wind chill 0. But, next Saturday the high is 53!!! Bring it on. I hate winter.

 

[Poodleone]

It has been amazing here at the lake to see water freeze along the shore where the wind whips the water up- lots of stalagtites (or stalagmites). Now, this morning there is a thin sheet of ice in the cove behind the house where ducks usually hang out. WAY COOL (and cold)! Never thought I would see it this cold for this long IN TEXAS to make parts of the lake freeze.

 

[DD]

Priorities sweetie! Love the picture!!!!



Thank you Tootsie! I am a happy Bama Girl!



I am a block of ice. 10 degrees here tonight with wind chill 0. But, next Saturday the high is 53!!! Bring it on. I hate winter.

Yep. Me too.

It has been amazing here at the lake to see water freeze along the shore where the wind whips the water up- lots of stalagtites (or stalagmites). Now, this morning there is a thin sheet of ice in the cove behind the house where ducks usually hang out. WAY COOL (and cold)! Never thought I would see it this cold for this long IN TEXAS to make parts of the lake freeze.

I remember this happening way back in...maybe 1983? I'm ready for a heat wave!