Experienced snow drivers

luvmykids wrote: I should know this, considering that we get A LOT of snow but I usually just stay home

Anyway, DH and I are arguing over what you're supposed to do....I've always been taught by my dad that if you skid you're supposed to steer in the direction you're turning...DH says you are supposed to try to gently straighten out.

So, if you're driving and the rear of your car slides to the left, pointing your front to the right, which way are you supposed to steer? To the left, to straighten out? Or the right, to "steer with the slide"?

We're also arguing over braking...I thought you were supposed to gently tap your brakes, he says with anti-lock brakes you're supposed to apply slow and steady pressure?

His truck is a beast and he never slides and doesn't have to deal with this...so it's easy for him to say

My3LilMonkeys replied: I was always told steer gently into the slide and tap your brakes lightly....but when we got our first snowstorm last week and I skidded I ended up over an embankment, so what do I know.

luvmykids replied:


That is what started this whole conversation, me doing a 180 today in the grocery store parking lot

FWIW, I just found this link; I guess he might be right about the anti-lock brakes
http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/...?from=iForecast

Anthony275 replied: steer straight. my book says it

Calimama replied:
Crazy!!

redchief replied: Between the two of you, you make a good team. You steer into the direction of a skid and you apply firm pressure on the anti-lock brakes.

I once fishtailed a 45 foot fire truck on ice... If you think I was nervous, you should have seen the guy in the passenger seat.

lovemy2 replied:


I think I would have about died if I was behind that scene - I mean who would help the firemen if THEY got into an accident

kimberley replied: thanks for the laugh, i need it. i was always taught to steer into the skid and tap my brakes also.

Anthony275 replied: http://i14.tinypic.com/8bq2dxd.jpg
i scanned my book

msoulz replied:
Yep, that is one of the perks of antilock brakes - they are not to be pumped! And if the rear of your car is sliding left, you steer left to straighten out.

Holy cow, did the guy in the passenger seat need to change his short after that??

luvmykids replied: Thanks for the info guys....After all the wrecks last night and early this morning I think I'm back to just staying home when it's bad

Anthony275 replied:
i wont even drive to school when its bad here

msoulz replied:
I am totally with you on that!! But I am not afraid of my own skills, it's the other folks that frighten me and make me stay home!!

MotherForever2043 replied:
Toatally agree with both of you!