Can anyone drive in this stuff?

January 28, 2009
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Thereâ??s nothing like a good snow storm to bring out the spectrum of driver skills.

In the past couple of days and now today, youâ??ve probably seen it all, too. Creepers. Speeders. Lane-straddlers. Rubberneckers who nearly cause their own spin-offs.

Should more training be required to get a license? Other thoughts?
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  • JoeJanuary 28, 2009 8:47 AM
    If you are completely freaked by the prospect of driving in this stuff, please stay home.

    If you are out driving in this stuff, as Run D.M.C. will tell you slow and low, that is the tempo.

    And please don't slam on you brakes. Nothing good happens in this weather when you slam on your brakes.
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  • thundermuttJanuary 28, 2009 9:33 AM
    Also: stay home if your car is low and light. The only things out in this weather should be big and heavy. But I've got front wheel drive isn't enough. Front wheel drive and two-plus tons of vehicle (not passengers) is best.
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  • Da HooeyJanuary 28, 2009 9:46 AM
    My Chrysler Aspen 4x4 and my Jeep Grand Cherokee with Quadra Drive II can beat up your Prius and your Accord. :lol:
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  • EJJanuary 28, 2009 9:59 AM
    I love my Honda Odyssey (tank). It has only front-wheel drive but it's a tank. Plus, I grew up in Northern Indiana with lake-effect snow. You learn.

    Norm, to answer your question, I wish the school systems would implement driver's ed into the school year so students have more experience over a longer period of time ... and which might also offer times to drive in the snow. As it is now, most learn to drive in the summer over a few weeks. My 16-year-old had such a poor instructor (a waste of $350) that he refuses to drive -- the guy terrified him. Caution is very good, but fear is not.
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  • randomJanuary 28, 2009 12:47 PM
    Even though i have a truck (Chevy S-10), i would rather stay home in weather like today. This is not just my safety but the safety of everyone who I would drive past or even near for my decision in staying home instead of driving. I am lucky that my boss allows me to work from home.
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  • JoeJanuary 28, 2009 1:21 PM
    For Heaven's Sake...Clean off your windows before you start out. It's hard enough to dodge people in the snow much less people who can't see where they're going!
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  • JBJanuary 28, 2009 1:21 PM
    I've got a radical idea - how about cleaning off your car BEFORE you get on the highway. I could not believe how many cars and trucks I saw this morning with 6 inches of snow on the hood, roof, trunk, windows. Not only can these drivers not see me I have no idea how they know where they are going or how they can make a turn. Actually an intelligence test might be better than driver's ed at school.
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  • IndyGuyJanuary 28, 2009 1:22 PM
    Ditto on being lake effect trained growing up. I actually enjoy driving in the stuff and left early this morning so I could get to work without being held up by those that are all over the place.
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  • BoomerJanuary 28, 2009 1:24 PM
    Thundermutt, my car is low and light and actually does very well in this weather. I've never once been stuck or slid off the road. It's easy to handle and I brake very well on the roads. Maybe you're one of those 4x4 All-Wheel Drive bullies who tailgates guys like me who are driving cautiously and just want to get home in one piece. And I'm not a creeper. I keep up with the flow quite well. So back off.
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  • KayGeeJanuary 28, 2009 1:24 PM
    Young drivers definitely need experience in this stuff. I got it because I grew up in the country and it didn't matter if you drove into a corn field. Most students take driver's ed in the summer and never have experience in inclement weather.

    What is the proposal going through the House and Senate regarding teen driving?
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  • TKKLJanuary 28, 2009 1:40 PM
    I agree with EJ - fear is the problem. I, too, am from the region, and got my
    license on a 2-feet-on-the-ground snow day one January driving a station wagon!
    There are some basic tools you can learn to make you more comfortable driving in snow, and if you're taught them at a young age, your chances of being a decent
    snowy driver are better. Knowing what to do makes everyone safer. I wish schools (regular or driving) would make adverse condition training a must.

    For myself, going from an 8-year relationship with a Ford Explorer to a Mini
    Cooper Clubman, I'm working from home today. I've been happy with my new
    car's front wheel drive performance and the fact that it's 3,500 lbs, but it's way too low to the ground for a foot of snow. I'm thankful I'm able to work from home and enjoy a beautiful wintery view out my windows.
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  • JoyceJanuary 28, 2009 1:40 PM
    I want to commend all the drivers who were on I-65 northbound from Southport to downtown this morning. Everyone behaved perfectly, the result being a consistent 30-35 mph drive with no back ups. Bless you!
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  • dougJanuary 28, 2009 1:41 PM
    the only way to learn how to drive in this stuff is to take the ride to the nearest large empty parking lot and have fun. the skills carry over when you slide out on the road.
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  • DanaJanuary 28, 2009 1:43 PM
    Count me in for driving in this stuff. I grew up in Michigan and actually had a fun time driving this morning! Almost nobody is on the road...easy to drive with big Mo.
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  • PAAJanuary 28, 2009 5:05 PM
    Indygo anyone? Those are big and you won't be hurt if they slide!
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