Winter driving

Only you can answer that.Whatever you feel most comfortable driving.If you can't drive at least 50 mph then it's time to park it till the weather clears and plows are out.I've had to stop many times during bad weather.You're not going to get the miles anyway and you don't wanna try being a hero to your dispatcher by driving in bad road conditions.Because guess what,you have a rollover or accident because you didn't park it you're going to get blamed for it.When you see it's getting bad start looking for a place to park.

 

That's the truth

 

0 mph

 

It depends on air/road temp, forecast temps, whether snow is sticking on road or not, was road already covered in snow, etc.

A snowflake is not an emergency despite the panic among everyone around you.

 

Well the times I did drive on snow, I dont think I went much over 50 if that. The real problem is the next day after it gets smushed down and freezes. then your driving on ice. F that

 

Snow and ice will decide how fast.

If it's 3 inches gravel ice on the freeway I can do 30 with the car and hope no one forces me to evade anything. 20 is much better. I always spec traction A and Heat A on my car tires. No cheap ####. Last year I did that on ice just like that and then a foot of slush uphill into nortl little rock with em. This year I have a new set ready for battle.

If you can walk on it you can drive on it. If you slip and fall on butt while trying to walk on it, that truck aint gonna be able to hold her. Ive been PUSHED on wet ice at night during gusts while sleeping. (Not really.. just waiting for the sun 8 hours later.)

Your tractor will give you only so much and no more. Same with the trailer. If you push it.. you are sliding or jackknifing. At that point you are on your own. Steer small and fast the right way the first time to break it.

Some bridges must be crossed at walking pace when empty, not even that. Maybe you wait until the idiot cars clear your right downslope side then cross. Because your trailer will slide down and then rub the cement or steel rail all the way across.

Don't go into the meat of a winter storm. Seek safe haven and stay put. Catch up on your food, laundry etc.

Im not going to say this much snow or that much snow, it's not worth it. I can personally take on 3 feet powder or a foot wet no problem. You might or might not be as capable. It all depends on everything.

Split ice is my favorite. One side ice, one side pavement. Interlock in 15 in low range at torque and get your stanley out pour some coffee, it will be a while.

 

Practice right now, not tonight, but start tomorrow practicing putting your chains on and off, until you can do it fairly easily, not necessarily fast, smooth is fast. Cause when its cold, and wet, its going to be harder, and your hands are going to get cold.
Get at least two additional chain cam tools for the ones you are going to lose. They cost about $3. Get at any big truck stop in the northern states. Get bungees.
I don't do more than about 25 MPH with chains on.
Do a good job when your doing it for real, and don't worry about how long it takes you.
There are some excellent videos on UTube of how to, if your in doubt.





That's ice on the windshield. You will learn you'll be driving around with it at about a 100 in your truck, sweating, just to try and keep your windshield clear. You'll have to stop every so often to let it thaw all the way off, only takes a few minutes.

Snow isn't so bad. You can drive at normal speeds with some snow on the highway. It's all about not going too fast for conditions. Just take it easy until you get the feel for it. Snow isn't bad. Ice is a biaznitchz. You don't want to come to complete stops if you can avoid it when its packed down on the pavement or getting icy, cause that's when you'll start to spin and slide.
Its a lot of feel really.
Leave yourself 3 times the space you would to stop and slow and you'll have no problem.
You'll be amazed how hard it can snow, and you can drive.
If your scared, if its not your cup of tea, there is no shame, just tell your DM you can't. Its better than wrecking.

 

the out of control cars are worse than the snow
when chained up on snoqualmie many have spun 360 degress when passing me. fortunate to not get hit
our customers dont shut down when it snows and we slipseat every 12 hours
ice is just bad news you slow down and somebody is right on your tail

 

How fast one can drive in ice and snow is different with every storm. However one thing I always do regardless when it's snowing or ice is starting to build up on the roads is increase my following distance and try not to make any sudden or hard maneuvers.