Driving during Snowstorm, PLEASE HELP!!?

Question

I'm 21 and never driven in snow before. I've actually never even seen snow. But tomorrow, I'm driving about 300 miles and I have no choice but to go through some mountains with snow and I'm totally stressing. I have snow chains and know how to put them on, but still have some questions. How will I know when to put on the chains, will there be signs? Also, when will I know when to take them off? And most importantly any tips for driving in the snow? I've been watching the weather obsessively for the past week, and tommorrow is supposed to be light rain in the morning and sun later, but I live in Northern Cali and with these massive storms lately it's nearly impossible to be accurate. I HAVE to drive home tommorrow because I have work Thursday. Plz help I'm so desperate. In as much detail as possible plz.

Answer 1

the biggest thing is to take your time don't rush....  normally unless it is snowing while you are driving the highways should be plowed and in pretty good condition... hope this helps

Answer 2

Listen, it's not that bad if you remember one main rule.  Do not speed up or slow down fast.

In other words, take it slow when starting out and do not lose traction by speeding up.  If you have to brake, stay relatively far away from everyone and slowly apply the brake pedal.  Allow yourself extra room in case you slide a little.  

If you somehow start to slide, steer AND COAST thru the trouble (Do NOT panic and slam on the brakes) steer the front of your vehicle in the SAME direction as the rear is sliding.  If sliding to the right, steer right a little to straighten out, then slowly return to the center of the lane.

At stop signs and intersections, allow EXTRA ROOM to come to a stop.  

Finally, make sure you have a FULL windshield wiper container.  Keep an extra bottle of washer fluid with you.  If the roads have lots of salt, you will be needing it often.

Wear your seatbelt, and you will be fine.  Fill up before you go, and keep your cell phone charged.  GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

ok, I lived in North Dakota for many years and have driven into Montana and Colorado plenty, so I know. Take it easy, DO NOT use cruise control,if you hit ice, the wheels will accelerate because of less friction,  avoid pressing hard on your brakes. Most places will have signs posted telling you if you are required to chain, keep in mind once you chain up, you can only travel about 30 mph. Allow plenty of time to make your trip. Turn your radio off, focus on your driving. watch others around you, just because you are being cautious does not gaurantee they are. If you are driving a front wheel drive, you should be fine, point in the direction you want to go and go. rear wheel drive is not bad, just need to focus more. If you have rear wheel drive consider adding some weight to the trunk area. Stop and get some snacks, just in case., calm down, breathe, pray, drive.

Answer 4

Don;t be nervous, Living in chicago makes me an expert on snow driving ;), jk but when you see start to see a good amount of snow on the ground, pull into a mcdonalds or whatever and put the chains on.  Chains are illegal in some states like mine so i cant use them, but if there is not enough snow on the ground for them to be neccesary, then dont worry about it, all ull do is crack the road and hear that stupid sound of chains on ur tires.  I would say a good 2 inches of snow then slap them on.  

Also always drive at cautious speeds, like 10 mph under the speed limit or whatever u are comfortable with, dont worry about the peopel passing u, they can go drive off the cliff, just drove defensively

GOOD LUCK :)

Answer 5

Don't go. No reason to go through with something dangerous or if you feel stressed about it.

Take public transportation, leave the driving to the professionals. Then retrieve the car at a later date.

Answer 6

Your best bet for yourself and the safety of others is wait it out. No job is worth risking yours and other peoples lives. If you knew it was coming you should have left sooner.