Video of crazy car accidents because of snowfall /icy roads
http://tinyurl.com/yt76ar

Wow. I used to have to investigate and diagram things like that. What a diagram it would be. At least 13 POI's, scene including two different streets, about a block in length on one of them. What fun.

Apparently it was downhill in every direction for the first driver...

Interesting. We're on "Federal Friday" down here because we just got hit with a terrific snowstorm. Everyone was ordered to stay home unless there is an emergency, and then only with prudence. These last 20 years or so, we don;t get much snow.... sometimes not even 1 per year, and people don;t know how to drive in it. Though I've had lots of training and feel confident, I too am one of "those people" unfamiliar with slick roads.

By the way Red Flare, there's some lauding going on in here about your business..... I'm sure you've seen <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

As a native of the Midwest, I have to ask WTF? Where was this and who were these people?

M

Interestingly, none of the onlookers go to the cross-street where unsuspecting drivers are making a left onto the hill to appraise them of the danger. Apparently, this is too much like America's Funniest Videos to intervene.

Wonder if not keeping the brakes locked up the entire ride would have made any difference... A locked wheel cannot steer!

Ya can't steer well on ice no matter what, countersteering helps for sure. In this case, I suspect a lot of acceleration...

I think that was in/around Seattle during the bit of snow the week of Jan 15th. Parts of the area can be very hilly, and there sure isn't much snow or ice to teach people in the northwest. That first driver was insane! Looked like a full panic, on the gas, and in a four wheel drive SUV for their first time so they thought they were invincible in snow.

Rode with a friend once to the hill (Mt Hood). On the way home, after spinning out in the middle of the road (luckily no other cars), she says "What happened? We're in a four wheel drive truck! I don't understand!". I asked if I could walk home from there...
Jason

I was on chain control once, which is a lot of fun. Standing in the snow for about six hours, stopping everyone, letting the 4WD with M+S tires continue on (I dont' make the rules), making everyone else chain up. I would tell the 4WD'r to put it in 4WD and take it REAL slow, the road was very slippery. "OK" they would say, and off they would go at about 40 mph (this is Calif we are talking about). There was a left curve about 1/2 mile ahead, that is where about 90% of those mountain living 4WD drivers ended up off the road. For some reason some think that 4WD fixes all...

I just relocated to the Northeast from Florida. I have gathered this is my driving plan (if possible): Snow - drive real slow Ice - Park the car. Luckily, I have the ability to telecommute to my job. Still need to drive though and get some skill, but kind of scary that the mentality seems to be "Meh, ice and snow, You're still going to work, right?"

Yeah, 4WD to me just means a greater opportunity to get stuck farther out. Glad to have it, but don't hardly use it.

The mentality must be, "OK, flipped the 4WD button on the dash. Now I can go ANYWHERE!"

Gee - you mean you CAN'T "go anywhere" with 4wd? <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Who'da thunk it?

Chains for your 4x4 anyone? People HAVE laughed - but in ice, I can still go. I go SLOW, because I still only have 2 wheel stearing, and 4 wheel brakes, just like everyone else

I live in Colorado Springs and swear by my Blizzaks. We change over to snow tires in November, and back in April. That, and refusing to go out during snowstorms keep us safe.

I have a 97 T-bird. Rear wheel drive. No problems.