Driving tips

[TehCookie]

I got my license two years ago, and I may not be the best driver but I don't feel like I'm terrible. Or at least until it snows. I do not know how to handle a car in snow, I feel like I'm sliding around in a metal deathtrap. It doesn't get any easier when I have retards pulling out in front of my and I have to slam on the breaks and pray they work and I don't start fishtailing. Also I just started college this year so I have to drive in the city, and I'm a hazard there even in summer (I ended up the wrong way on a one way street, why would they make a one way street with three lanes?) Add my terrible winter driving and I'm surprised I'm still alive. Also cites seem to attract impatient jerks, so I always have someone on my ass (when I'm doing the speed limit) and people jumping out in front of me and people driving in the wrong lane. To some driving is no big deal but it's really stressful to me and I'm having a hard time resisting the urge to slam on my breaks when the next asshole is tailgating me.

 

[Nerdygamer89]

For one, go easy on the brakes. Stomping the brake pedal is the best way to make the car's back end come out from under you while driving on ice. If you have to brake (particularly going downhill), shift the car into neutral first and apply steady pressure to the pedal. Shifting into neutral before braking allows all four wheels to brake at the same time so that you're less likely to lose traction. Just to be clear once again: never never never slam on the brakes while on ice or newly wet pavement.

Secondly, don't worry about other drivers, and never change your driving style to appease impatient people. You should be driving slowly on ice, and if they don't like it they can risk their own necks trying to go around you. If they hit you doing stupid shit, they're liable for the damages. Speeding on ice because some jackass decided to tailgate you is just a good way to get yourself hurt.

Last but not least, be careful when going around curves. Most wrecks in winter weather that I've seen have been a result of someone trying to go around a curve (even a small one) a little too fast and losing traction.

Hope that helps at least a little bit. Be safe out there.

Edit: forgot to mention, when it's really icy out be extra careful driving across bridges. Bridges absorb no heat from the ground like a regular road would, so they tend to be good places to find ice, sometimes long after the rest of the road has been salted/cleared.

 

[Toaster Hunter]

Do everything slowly, like turn accelerate, and put on the breaks. If you begin to slide, turn into the skid and gently press the breaks. YOu really have to feel what the car is doing. I know that sounds pretty zen, but its true, just adjust based on how it feels driving.

Whatever else DON'T PANIC

 

[The Cheezy One]

As Aylaine already knows, I passed my test on Friday!
I have a bit of experience on snow, but generally everyone has already said my views. One more thing - before a hill, leave room for other cars. Otherwise, if they need a run up, you - and everyone behind you - will need to back off, and it is just a hassle, especially when someone insists they won't! Just be more considerate, and understand that everyone is having trouble, so don't get impatient or annoyed, no matter what!

 

[Coraxian]

All good tips above. Especially the distance and the patience one. Don't let yourself get worked up by others and drive as you see fit or slower even.

Also, try not to slam the breaks. Of course, as you mentioned this happens when people jump in front of you... hardly another option. But in other situations, try to avoid it and in case of doubt, pump the breaks.

One more important tip: just because the ice seems to be melting everywhere doesn't mean that there aren't shady patches where there's still ice on the road. If this is in a corner, you're pretty much screwed.

Also: find an empty parking lot or such, with loads of room and try to get some extra experience driving on ice so that you don't panic and overreact when you suddenly find yourself on ice.

For all else: good luck.

 

[ArchAngelKira]

Heres a really imporntant tip: Don't crash!

 

[proctorninja2]

my advice NEVER COME TO BOSTON OR MASSACHUSETTS we have the most angry/deathwish kinds of drivers

 

[vxicepickxv]

There are bad drivers everywhere. I get to see them every day, at least twice a day.

If you get a chance make sure you find a time and place to practice. Back in 2007 when I lived in northern Japan, the base we were on had several empty parking lots that would get snow, melt, then refreeze. That's where I learned a lot about ice, snow, and driving skills. Yes, practice helps a lot.

my advice NEVER COME TO BOSTON OR MASSACHUSETTS we have the most angry/deathwish kinds of drivers

I wish I had some local videos of the bad drivers here. The problem is that I would quickly run out of either hard drive space, or video tapes.

 

[dmase]

You can't be afraid of winter driving, my best advice is to go to a empty supermarket or someplace with a large parking lot that hasn't been pushed. Build up your confidence and experience. If you get scared your bound to make a mistake.

For the most part driving on snow won't be a bother as long as you keep your wheels straight. When you start to slide just slowly pull the wheel towards going straight. They say turn into a skid, well most people don't get what they mean by that. You want your car to keep going straight so turn like your putting the front of the car straight. You probably won't be able to get it to go immediately straight after one slights turn, it will start sliding with your car angled at a different direction just remember to stay calm and turn the wheel to go straight. Usually slight turns will get you going straight at under 35 mph.

A buddy of mine hates using the breaks in the snow so he'll let himself slowdown significantly and if he misses a turn will turn around or reverse instead of going for it. On SNOW(not ice) you can usually do repeated breaking to keep yourself going straight. Small break and release and just repeat and if you feel yourself skidding to the right of left then take your foot off the break and repeat the going straight steps in the paragraph above.

If you have 4 wheel drive in snow i can't see how you would have an issue. Keep it in 4 high, 3rd gear, and around 35 mph as the max. You won't have a single problem and 4 wheel doesn't work well on ice, keep that in mind. I know its really hard not to think about but don't let anybody push you. If you wreck your fucked if they tap into your back bumper while your going slow in the snow they'll have a fun time explaining that one to a cop or insurance agent.

January? This thread seems a little late into winter.

 

[The Gray Train]

learn to read other drivers. seriously, eventually you will realise that people will telegraph their intentions, whether zipping up to cut you off or pull out in front of you. when decelerating, always put it in neutral. as dmase said, go to an empty lot, and practice. make yourself slide, and learn how to react to the slide. you'll also learn how to control your car, which is vital to driving in general. i can't tell you how frustrating it is to see people who think a car is just an expensive way to point A to B, and can't be bothered to learn the nuances of their car. lastly, ride with someone you know who has plenty of experience, and pay attention to what they do.