The fall-like driving conditions have come to a sudden end and it’s time drivers got used to slipping and sliding their way to their destinations.
It was a great run while it lasted and the only casualties were all those studs that were worn away on the bare pavement that predominated until the Christmas season hit.
It’s now time for a change in driving style and mindset.
The first advice is to those who still have the wrong-headed idea that all-season tires are a good option for driving in this part of the world.
In short — don’t kid yourself.
All-season rubber may be fine for drivers in Georgia during their sissy winter conditions ... but they won’t cut it here.
Four good winter tires should be your only option, and sometimes even they come up lacking when the flakes fly and the wind howls.
Many of us in this region spend lots of time going up or down steep hills and it takes all out skill and good equipment to keep us — and those around us — safe and sound during the winter driving months.
The second bit of advice is for drivers themselves: slow down and give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination.
The slimy conditions we endure may increase stopping distances dramatically and multiply the chances of having an pileup.
Also, don’t be one of those drivers who feel they can manoeuver safely by looking though a peep hole in their windshields.
Get out and clean off your whole vehicle after a snowfall.
Scrape all your windows to remove the ice so you can see where you are headed and where everyone else is going.
We’re all in this together and it takes all we can manage together to prevent accidents at this time of the year.
A little bent metal or plastic is one thing, but hitting a pedestrian who is trying to get along on snowcovered streets is another.
Let’s all get through this dangerous driving season as best we can.
