Slip-Sliding Away

Funny how snow seems to surprise some people every year. “Whoa! Why’s my car sliding across the road toward that power pole?!” It’s as if the rains of spring and summer have washed away all memories of the inevitable white stuff that falls in Utah and has made it a favorite destination for skiers and snowboarders around the world. Snow begins to flutter and there are suddenly numerous reports of vehicle accidents caused by the iciness on the roads. Didn’t we all just finish mastering the art of controlling our vehicles in wintry weather eight months ago or less? I’m convinced most of the accidents that occur involve driver’s who have recently moved to Utah from sunnier and warmer climes. (I’m not pointing any fingers at you, Californians. Arizonians are just as much to blame as you.)

Many of you are like me. We own a vehicle meant for rougher driving conditions. We have 4-wheel or all-wheel drive capabilities. That means our vehicles are invincible to snow and ice, right? Unfortunately, a vehicle is only as safe as its driver, and sometimes that’s not even true.

I remember coming down Parley’s Canyon last year in a driving blizzard that eventually shut the road down. As I crept down the canyon at a safe 10 mph (and even then the wheels slipped now and again) I noticed a pair of headlights coming up behind me. I could tell by the way the orbs of light increased quickly in size that the vehicle was going much faster than I. Since the snowplow I had been following had exited to load up on more salt, the lines on the road were nonexistent, and it was extremely difficult to judge where the shoulders were. I attempted to scoot over to the right of the road, out of the path of the juggernaut behind me, but as the vehicle neared me it was clear the driver had no real control over the pathway of the car. I could tell the other driver was applying his brakes as he came up on my rear, because his car’s backend began to swing around on him. Lucky for me that shifted the car’s trajectory enough that he narrowly missed me and shot toward the left side of the road, spraying snow 15 feet into the air as he entered the median. Lucky for him the median was quite flat and he was easily able to backup and return to the roadway. I’ll never know if he made it down the canyon safely, because even after that harrowing encounter he continued on his speedy journey as if nothing had happened.

Unlike most people out there, I love driving in the snow almost as much as I love skiing or making snow angels in it. I enjoy driving in it because, for the most part, it slows everybody down. The roads are not as intimidating when everyone is putting along at 20 mph, trying to avoid sliding around.

Please take the time this year to ensure you are not that seemingly ignorant person on the road who thinks his souped-up truck is any match for the combination of freezing temperatures and water on roads. 4-wheel drive does not equal untouchable. Make sure your vehicle is well stocked with emergency supplies too, such as water, food, chains, a first-aid kit, tools, and even flares. You never know what icy weather will do to your vehicle.