Okay, since we just got our first real snowfall of the season, I thought I'd write down some rules for Minnesota Winter Driving!
Minnesota Winter Driving 101
1. Make sure you have your Winter Driving Kit: a blanket or two, a small shovel, warm gloves, some gravel or cat litter, a flashlight, a snow and ice scraper, snack foods (ie trail mix), and I suggest bringing a bottle of water with you. Don't leave it in the car, it will freeze. You never know how long until you get "rescued" from your car breaking down. A lot of times, you may be able to dig yourself out if you go in the ditch. Hence, the shovel. Gravel helps if your tires get stuck. Also, don't just spin your tires. It creates a bigger rut. Try going in forward, then reverse, then forward.
2. Leave proper distance between you and the car in front of you. I see this every year, and it's people being stupid. It doesn't matter if you have brand new tires or 4 wheel drive. There's is no car or truck or anything that's completely winter-proof. You still need to be able to brake people!! If you stomp on the brakes because you're being an idiot and following too close, you'll slide or go into a spin.
3. NEVER stomp on the brakes. See above.
4. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread. If money is a problem, buy 2 used tires with reasonable tread. Most cars are front wheel drive. Rotate your tires so the old front tires go in the back, and put your "new" tires in the front. Or vice versa if you have rear wheel drive. This helps with traction and braking, but you still need to leave enough room to brake slowly.
5. If the roads are slippery, you are entitled to slow down before the turn lane. If the roads are dry, slowing down before the turn lane is completely unacceptable.
6. Make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid. The roads are slippery. The snow plows use salt. Salt leaves residue on your windshield. You need to use this fluid frequently in order to see.
7. Leave early if it's snowing. The roads will be bad. Guaranteed.
8. Make sure you have a cell phone. Even if it's just a stupid little prepaid one, it'll help you call 911 in an emergency.
9. Use your headlights. People need to be able to see you when it's snowing. It doesn't matter if you have a dark car.
10. It's actually quite easy to counteract a spin. All you have to do is turn your steering wheel in the opposite direction your car is spinning. Go to an empty parking lot, make sure there are no cops around you, and practice. It will soon become second nature and you will instinctually be able to get yourself out of a spin. But, if you paid attention to rule # 2, you will not need this rule. It's still safe to know it though. Also, go slow on turns/curves. Never brake on a curve, and never accelerate on a curve.
11. Bridges and enter/exit ramps are ALWAYS more slippery than the regular roads. Use caution.
12. Allow people to MERGE when they are entering/exiting the freeway.
13. If you have anti-lock brakes, DO NOT let up on the brake if you go into a slid.
14. Never make any sudden movements with the steering wheel. This will cause your car to go into a spin or slide.
15. If you break any of these rules, I will shove your car up your ass. Have a nice day!
These are general rules that can be followed in any state where it snows, not just Minnesota. If you feel I have left anything out, please comment and I will add it in!
