Snow and ice hits the south

[Gary H NC]

I was up at 3 am with the sound of ice hitting the roof.
Looked outside and Holy Cow! Man it is coming down.

I go into work to drive truck today..
Being from up north i can handle it but it is all these local people who can not drive in it really worry me.
It's going to be one heck of a long day delivering to grocery stores.
They were picked clean last night from the "snow" panic!

First thing on the news this morning was video of one of our company trucks that rolled over!
The driver is in bad shape.They air lifted him to the hospital.
Nice older guy who has been with the company for about 30 years.

It gave me chills watching the rescue crew cutting the roof off the rig to get him out.

We have about an inch of ice now it is turning to snow..messy day.

 

[lombard]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

That much ice is never easy. Doesn't matter where you are or where you're from.

Though I do feel your pain. I grew up in MN, but have been living in the south for 11 years. To this day I'm amazed at how these people react to something as minor as a frost warning. Then again, maybe over-reaction is warranted. Most of these people can't drive after the road's been "slicked" by rain...

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

Be careful Gary. Take your time.
Let us know how things went later.

 

[JB]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

I get tired of hearing that southerners can't drive on snow or ice.

Nobody can drive on "warm" snow and ice. . . between 20 and 35 degrees. The warmer it is, the more dangerous.

"Cold" snow and/or ice, below about 20, is an entirely different suface. It is more like dry pavement.

I spent about 10 winters in IL and MN, commuting on rural roads and Interstates. "Warm" snow or ice caused just as many crashes as in the south.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

I hope your day goes well Gary. Too many people seem to assume snow or ice means 'lets play bumper cars' good luck.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

Bahhh... just another day in New England.

THINK about how fast you should be driving, then just drive slower than that.

FEEL the road. Don't just assume the tires are going to hold.

BRAKE before you enter a corner, and gas out of the corner. don't brake mid-corner, your sure to spin out that way.

LEAVE plenty of room between you and the guy in front of you. You can be a world class rally driver that can rip through the mud, ice and snow.... but the guy in front of you surely is not

Take your time delivery schedules or not. If your in a rush, your going to be that guy!!!

Check your tires. Underinflated tires in snow is a recipe for disaster. Inflate them to the manufactorers spec as stamped on the inside of drivers side door. Don't let the man at the gas station tell you what they should be.

 

[cribber]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

I watched on the news the cold front passing through and stay safe and warm indoors if you can... If not, give yourself extra braking distance and slow down.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

Good tips JustJason. Glad I'm inside enjoying my breakfast bowl of New England Clam Chowder

 

[rbh]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

One word comes to mind "CHAINS" all the way around, even on the steering tires.

 

[JB]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

Select an AWD car, with ABS, traction control and stability control. Then drive as though you have none of them.

Follow JustJason's tips.

Best snow and ice vehicles I ever drove: Tie between 1999 Mercedez Benz ML430 and 2010 Subaru Forester X Limited.

Of course, when studded tires were legal. . .

 

[bowman316]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

the high here today was around 18, now it is 14 at 6 pm.
That is new england weather. We hardly ever get a high below 27.
It is very rare that we go more than 2 days without getting above freezing.

The "EXPERTS" swore up and down this storm was not going to hit baltimore at all. But we have 6 inches right now, and it is not ending anytime soon.

This looks like the typical noreeaster that turns up towards boston. But they say it won't do that. But i bet it will.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

Keep the shiny up Gary. Man, you guys are getting more winter than we are.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

i bet we will get 10 inches here, in north MD, where we were just supposed to get flurries

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

saw the news, while ago, what a mess, hope you make it home in one piece, and no dents.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

Whew! Just got in and what a day!
We had one driver roll over last night and another this morning.

The first driver is in critical condition due to major head injuries.
They had to cut the roof off the cab to get him out.
The other walked away with only some scratches.

My day was fine.Been there done that many times years ago when i ran out to the Seattle area and back all the time.

At least i got the first day back driving a truck on ice over with..These new Volvo trucks and new trailers all have ABS and handle really well.
It has just been so many years that i had the jitters before going in today.

The roads are still pretty messy and frozen.Down to 14 tonight.
I go back in tomorrow morning and do it all again.The only problems i had today was one wheel had frozen brakes and i got stuck several times trying to unhook from empty trailers.
It does not matter how many drive axles you have on ice.

Thanks for the well wishes and good lucks...

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

Glad you got through the day OK. Doesn't really matter where you live, it always takes a few weeks before people adjust there driving habits to conditions. Here in central Ontario, the first few snowfalls usually result in hundreds of accidents. As the winter season progresses the number of accidents drops significantly.

I spent 6 weeks in Durham NC a couple years ago during Jan and early Feb. I remember there was a snow and freezing temp warning at one point during my stay and like you say, everyone seemed to panic. Stores were selling out of basic foods, and media coverage made it sound as though the world was ending. With just a "dusting" of snow, the whole city almost ground to a halt. It was interesting to see.

Take it easy out there.

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

My sister lives around the Charlotte NC area.
She said nobody was moving in her area.
For her it was nothing. She just had to worry about everyone else.

Her comment was for me was "up there would be a passing fart"

 

[bowman316]

Re: Snow and ice hits the south

i think it was mostly rain below va. maybe a little ice in northern nc.
but va got most of it.