Winter weather driving tips?

I know Rand McNally has a subscription that let's you add this feature, along with current traffic and reroute capacity. I use the MyRadar app, which gives an excellent up to date radar, temperature, and forecast.

 

Just be advised, most of the "free" radar apps will give you radar data that is from 15 to 25 minutes old, in addition to all the ad banners that clutter the screen. In most winter scenario cases this is acceptable for the casual user, but in an intense spring storm situation, looking at 15 minute old data and assuming it's "current", can get you in trouble.

 

The best storm chasers can expect is about 3-5 minute old radar images depending on the radar station but radarscope and a few other paid or subscription radar services will give you this. The free ones, they use the "free public data" channels that are 2-3 generations old.

 

Speed isn't a big deal on snow pack when travelling in a straight line and no other traffic. Slick roads only get you in trouble if you touch the brakes or the wheel. If you see a curve coming or slower traffic, use gravity to slow down. Jake brakes are a bad idea during the winter although I've never had a problem using the low setting.

 

I have had experience in Every state but Hawaii and Maine in every condition imaginesble. My own rule is if I cant make a steady 30-40 because of Ice I shut down. Up here we call chains skates because thats what they are when the Ice is 3" thick on roads. Yes, 3" of ice on roads happens in Southeast Alaska. Driving in snow is no more dangerous than a dry road in some ways. Very simple, downshift all the way down dont slam on brakes. Snow gives traction so when its really cold and Icy and you truly need to creep stay as much in the frozen snow and out of the "tracks" of other trucks. That already smashed snow is now Ice. Bridges just coast when they are short. Just do everything a little slower and youre good.

 

My mantra is, "Coasting is your Friend". From coasting over short bridges, to making a turn at speed when you may be coming in a tad too fast, to getting a turn initiated in slick conditions and there is a delay in the turn to start because your steers are sliding.

Coasting is your Friend.

 

Yep, the same rules to remember when driving in good weather.

Maintain appropriate speed and space for the conditions.

Pay attention. Look far ahead. Anticipate.

Don't put yourself in a position where you have to do anything too fast. Don't put anyone else in that position either.

Patience.

Same rules apply in good weather and bad.