Hello!
In the wake of this week’s Atlanta Snowpocalypse, I want to share these seven tips for how to drive on icy roads. I’m a child of New England winters and Minnesota deep freezes (with no accidents), so driving on icy roads is not new to me.
I waited at work until most of the traffic going my direction cleared, checked traffic with Google, and made a well-timed exit from the office. I made the 25-mile commute home safe and sound after a modest 2.5 hour drive with good visibility and slick, icy roads. Here’s how this average driver from the north successfully managed the slippery roads during the Atlanta Snowpocalypse.
TOP 7 ICY ROAD DRIVING RULES
(Yes–I’m perfectly serious about every one of these.)
1. DON’T drive if you can help it.
2. NEVER stop if you can help it. (If you think this might be an issue, see rule #1.)
3. AVOID curves, brake lights in front of you, and uphill climbs as much as you can. (If you think this might be an issue, see rule #1.)
4. NEVER spin your tires. EVER! (See rule #1.)
5. NEVER brake in such a way that you slide. EVER! (Rule #1.)
6. AVOID being anywhere near other cars if you can help it. (Rule #…You get the picture.)
7. DON’T fear the ice. Your tires will hold you firm and straight at reasonable speeds in most situations if you follow the first six rules.
I didn’t mention SLOW DOWN because you already knew that, right? Also, snow isn’t as slippery as ice, so there are times to avoid the shiny black track in the road and drive cautiously on the snowy, slushy stuff.
Be safe out there!
(And it doesn’t hurt to pray.)
Average Us 
I live in a northern state and I agree with rule no. 1 :) saves a lot of hassle. Even with the best of driving skills an icy road can still get you–unless you follow rule no. 1:)
So true!
Agreed. I’m from Cheyenne, and for some reason Wyoming (or Cheyenne) sets the timing on stoplights ridiculously short. It’s nice in the summer, but when you are in a “Rule Number 1” situation, I used to always cringe when driving toward a green light because I wouldn’t know at what point it was best to TRY to stop or when to just keep driving should the light turn yellow. Now that I am in Florida, the lights are insanely long. As in, “if I choose to stop on the yellow arrow, I will be late to church.”
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I had to go out in the snow and ice the other night and I am sure prayer is what got me through. I also believe in going slow and staying away from other cars – and I wonder about people who start tailgating in this kind of weather. I pull over and let them go around me.
Good plan Tammy!