wreckemall

I’ve almost lost my life twice while driving in slick snow conditions, and not being careful enough. Was doing a bit of research on snow traction devices and other safety measures to adopt during adverse snow conditions, so thought of sharing it here with the other community members as well.

No matter how sturdy you are, or how rugged your vehicle has been, snowy days are challenging – always and for everyone. The very simple and obvious reason is that driving in snow can be dangerous due to the slick conditions; and because your speed gets significantly reduced, there are chances of the tires spinning out and sliding.

First and foremost - A very basic question.
Is it illegal driving in snow?

According to section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga...52/section/41D), you must be having a clear view of the road ahead before setting off. Make sure that you have a considerable level of visibility through every glass pane of the vehicle, and that your wind-shield is de-iced on the outside and de-misted on the inside. Failure to do so would not only incur a fine, but most importantly, would also put your life as well as the lives of others in danger.

I have been living In Denver, Colorado for the last 8 years and here, if weather conditions require, CDOT implements Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain laws. Motorists are alerted to an active Traction Law or Chain Law by highway signage. If someone here lives in Colorado, he/she can subscribe to the text/ email updates from CDOT. During storms and severe snow conditions, Code 16 is implemented, which means that every vehicle on the roadway must have tire chains or alternative snow traction aid. The fines range from $100 to $700. I would recommend you all, even if you own a 4*4 to check for your state laws regarding the use of traction aid for tires and driving in snow. Learn about chain laws in each US state.

Also, tire chains are a legal requirement on all European mountain roads. Roadside checks are carried out and drivers may be fined if they do not have a set in their vehicle. In European ski resorts, snow socks don’t meet the required standards.
If you’re looking to purchase snow chains, here is a link to several options, and be sure to purchase the appropriate size for your vehicles’ tires. I personally found the Thule XG-12 to be as user friendly and easy to install as snow chains can get. One more thing, I have seen people driving with snow chains on hard surfaces. This is something that is very basic, but please keep in mind that snow chains are meant to be used in heavy snow only. Driving with snow chains on will not only damage the road, but also damage the chain set you’re using and your vehicle components as well if abused.

Guys, remember that, it is always better to be prepared than to be in any unfortunate accident. These laws have been imposed for our own safety as well as the safety of other people. Always keep a set of good tire chains when you head out in deep snow.
And keep in mind, “When riding on snow, you better drive slow”. Be safe and a very happy new year to all the members and their families

nerdh3rd

iTrader: (1)

Great advice! I’m from/live in the north central US that sees some brutal winters and my family has always tried to remember that showing up late is better than not showing up at all - take the time to properly prepare for trips in the winter and slow down when conditions aren’t ideal!

Angus1

I don't disagree with the intent of your post but this sentence deserves a word of caution.

" Always keep a set of good tire chains when you head out in deep snow."

This forum has several posts from people amazed that their owners manual says they can't run chains because of tire size. I would suggest checking the manual and adjusting accordingly rather than tearing up a truck.

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

Here in Michigan, most of us don't bother with chains except offroad. Law states chains cannot contact the surface of the road, same with studs. Tractionized tires are VERY useful, and it wouldn't hurt my feelings if they did here, what they do in Ontario, winter rated tires are required from this date to that date, don't remember the exact dates.

Look far ahead, 1/4 mile at least
Assume EVERYONE is an idiot, and doesn't have a clue, most really don't.
Double your following distance. Rule of thumb "used to be" 1 vehicle length for every 10 mph on dry, double that on ice/snow
Make no sudden maneuvers, steering or braking.
SLOW THE HELL DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My opinion.
Even chains are not a guarantee. I used to have full chains in a chain box year around. My thought was, "If it's so bad I need chains, I don't need to be there." Offroad being an exception.

BCMIF150

I was brought up to check out the conditions and leave earlier to arrive on time.

My co-workers on the other hand seem to believe that no matter the weather, leave at the same time and just be an hour late to work. I guess I'm old fashioned.

wreckemall

Preparedness and punctuality are two of the most important qualities of a leader

nubbins_

+1000: we see very little snow usually so even with just a thin layer of slush, all the urban dip****s in their Yarises and Priuses with 2/32nds summer tires lose their minds, and the result is that the rest of us normal drivers are put at risk (in the same mall I saw a Yaris spin tires for a good 5 seconds without the driver realizing she had lost traction, and another dude in a Titan skidding 5m to the stop sign going way too fast and continued going fast like it was nobody's business ).

If more people understood / gave a damn about safe following distances we wouldn't have so many needless accidents. Even when it's sunny out with good road conditions, I almost always have that one annoying leech in a tiny hatchback following so close that I can't see any part of his car in my rearview due to him being in the blind spot below the tailgate.

The youngster in the Titan had decently new KO2s and probably believed that the snowflake rating rendered him a winter god. Reality check: severe-rated KO2s and unstudded Duratracs are laughably inept compared to real winter tires, and even Nokian Hakkas can't save you from bad habits.

wreckemall

Cent percent true. Thanks a lot for sharing this valuable information.

graym

Another tidbit of advice is that when roads are slick and snow covered drive in 2nd or 3rd...it allows the vehicle to slow itself down vs using brakes. works for me so it may help others!

graym

True but I usually wait till daylight in really bad snow days...just helps with visibility. We don't have highways to work so in the case of back country roads the daylight helps.