Snow in Virginia

The other day, the 26th of December 2012 to be exact, we woke up to snow on the ground here in Virginia.  I have to admit I was excited.  I had heard rumors that we were supposed to get hit with a ton of snow this winter.  Prior to the 26th, we had a flake or two but that's was it!

I had to go out to the store on the 26th, to return a table tennis table, and pick up another one.  I experienced the strangest thing as I was out and about.  The roads had some slush, which for a seasoned Idaho Driver was nothing to worry about.  Every driver I encountered that day was driving as though they were on a sheet of ice.  I couldn't believe it.  Normally for my commute in the mornings, if the speed limit is 45 traffic is moving at 60 mph or more.  Not when there is snow.  On the freeway the speed limit is 65 and everyone was driving 45 or less.  Crazy.  The snow wasn't even that bad.  In Idaho you will see people driving 75 or 80 mph on snow packed roads, basically a sheet of ice.  Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised by their caution. 

Here are some tips for winter driving from years of experience driving in Idaho.
First of all slow down.
Second relax if possible.
Third keep plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you.
Fourth if you start to slide or skid the worst thing you could do is hit the brakes.  If you find yourself in a slide, turn into the slide, but remember a little turn goes a long way so don't over do it.  If you hit the brakes while your back end is sliding around you will make it worse.  If your car has ABS it makes braking safer but I would still try to avoid using them in a slide.

Always be cautious driving in the snow.  Saving a few minutes by driving too fast is not worth the risk!

That is all.