tearose Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Background: I grew up in a warm climate and now live in the rural midwest (which I love!). But even after several years, I am still terrified to drive if there's snow on the ground. My one and only car accident happened when I was in college and driving through snow, so I'm sure that doesn't help. Since I'm a SAHM, I check the weather and don't drive if there's a chance of snow. I've been caught by surprise a few times, though--managed to calmly talk myself through the drive home but then started shaking uncontrollably once I pulled into my garage. I know some of the basics, like don't slam on your brakes, drive slowly (believe me, people hate being stuck behind me when the roads are at all bad), but how can I learn to get over my fears? Unfortunately, we live in an area with hilly and curvy roads, too. I would love to be able to safely practice snow driving but don't know how to go about it. I don't have a 4WD vehicle, but our car is newer, and my husband (a midwest native) has no problems driving it in the snow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoCandJ Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 If start to fishtail or slide DONOT hit brakes just ease off the gas, if you use the brakes it makes the slide worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Experience is the one thing that helped me. I got my licence at 16 and spend the winter learning to drive on ice, that was fun. Driving in snow is not so bad, it's the ice. Then there are some days you do feel anxious even with experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2squared Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I would find an empty, paved parking lot and practice stopping and starting at different speeds. Then practice turning at different speeds and angles. Use the vehicle you normally drive for this since each vehicle handles a little differently in the snow. I've lived in snow country almost my entire life, but I did have to get used to snow driving after 4 years in Texas. Now I don't drive at night very often, so that makes me a little nervous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 My dh took me to an empty parking lot and had me practice, he then we pull the emergency brake and I would have to handle the car. I also practiced on a hill that was perfect for it. 4WD does make a difference, traction control makes a difference and if legal in your area, studded snow tires make a difference. I spent 2 winters in Alaska a couple of years ago and never had any problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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