10 replies to this topic

[JD DANNELS]

My 43 mile 45 minute commute turned into a 2 hour trip tonight. Snow squalls and 36-55 mph winds made for a very icy slow trip. Speeds ran from 10 mph to 30 all the way across DesMoines and when I got east of Altoona visibility was sometimes not past the windshield? Total whiteout!
As I got within 5 miles of home it let up I could see all the cars in the ditch.

At least I was not involved in either the 25 or 30 car pileups!!

[JDBrian]

That sounds like a real white knuckle trip. I know it's extremely tiring. White outs and freezing rain have got to be the 2 most dangerous winter conditions to drive in. You must be relieved to be home and safe! 

[MH81]

Glad you made it home ok. Gripping the wheel & avoiding bad drivers can take it out of you.

[hamman]

I've made a white knuckle trip across IA in a snow storm and it is no fun. Glad you made it home safe and sound. Time for a relaxing beverage (of your choice) and a warm evening. Roger.

[pigsitter]

Nothing strains you mentally like trying to drive in those conditions not only do you have the bad weather to contend with but you also have to worry about what the other guy is going to do much more than in normal conditions,glad you made it home unscathed.I made a similar trip home one night from St Louis,while on the interstate it got to the point that almost every car that would fly by me would be seen a few miles down the road off in the median stuck in the snow,why people drive like that in bad conditions is beyond me.

[JD DANNELS]

Not exactly white knuckle that would be way to tense on ice in traffic. I try to stay calm and do everything smooth and steady.
But it takes a lot of concentration to be aware of what your car is doing along with every other car around you.

Ihave had a coouple bowls of Beef and Barley soup and cheddar biscuits and am pretty well unwound now.

I sometimes wonder if guys like Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart concentrate any harder at 200 mph than a guy driving in traffic on iice?

[HDWildBill]

Glad you are safe and sound.  Yes driving in those conditions can be very tiring.  Relax and have a good nights rest.

[oldedeeres]

Back in the 1970's they said "speed kills". Different speed, same result! Glad you made it home safe.

[Arti]

Storm took in a wide area, it was the same here today, thankfully I didn't have to venture out very far today like you did.
Glad you made it home safe and sound.

[boyscout862]

Glad you made it home safe. You might want to carry a "stuck in car kit". Mine includes: insulated coveralls, change of clothes, winter boots, sleeping bag, sterno stove with 3 cans, cooking kit, utensils, instant oatmeal packets, hot cocoa packets, gallon of distilled water, matches, candles, empty gas can, rope, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, shovel, axe, saw, auto fluids, tool box, battery booster, and a couple of books. Keep the gas tank atleast 3/4 full.  I get off the road when conditions are bad and just wait out the weather. I don't trust other drivers. I've slept in the car many times, even in the front seat. Stay safe. Good Luck, Rick

Edited by boyscout862, January 17, 2014 - 05:27 AM.

[KennyP]

Glad you made it home safely, Ray!