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17 Dec 08
For the most part, Oregon drivers can't drive in the snow. I see all sorts of scary stuff by inept drivers that have only driven in ice or snow a couple of times in their life. It's comical until it's tragic.
Here's a fun link on our world-class drivers trying to get up a street in Portland:
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-164378
18 Dec 08
Originally posted by BadwaterYou can add Washington drivers to that list. I live near Seattle. The problem is those in the Pacific Northwest don't get enough snow to learn to drive in it very well. It's best to either stay home, or take the bus if possible.😏
For the most part, Oregon drivers can't drive in the snow. I see all sorts of scary stuff by inept drivers that have only driven in ice or snow a couple of times in their life. It's comical until it's tragic.
Here's a fun link on our world-class drivers trying to get up a street in Portland:
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-164378
20 Dec 08
Originally posted by Electric RedYou really hit a sore spot here. I lived in the Bremerton area of Washington state for 31 years after being in North Dakota for part of my childhood. I moved back to ND over 33 years ago, so I have driven in snow both places. That snow in the northwest is not like our snow here! First of all, you can get three feet of the slipperiest wet stuff in three hours. And it falls straight down. Sometimes the "flakes" look like goose feathers. It is pure slush! Add to that the hills, heavy traffic, and in the country...deep ravines and trees....! I defy anyone to drive in that mess! Our cold weather here produces "dry", fine, snow. It squeaks underfoot. The wind can clear the highways and pile it up in the ditches instead. My friends, neighbors, in-laws, and relatives are always telling me that "people don't know how to drive in snow out west". I always tell them, "NOBODY can drive in that kind of snow!" I don't think I have convinced anybody, and probably have not convinced anyone on this forum, but it is TRUE!
This video is always funny...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd3mfHvq4-8&feature=related
20 Dec 08
1 edit
Originally posted by ale1552I know what you speak of. I grew up in Montana. I now live in Oregon after a number of years living in Washington state. I've driven in Montana, N. Dak., Minnesota, Wyoming, Utah, Oregon, and Washington in the winters. I remember the squeak you speak of. Such bitter dry cold snow, you could even hear it when you walked. But you know as well as I do when the snow on the roads gets packed, a little sun on it to put a nice wet sheen on it only to freeze when the sun goes down and you are driving on a freaking ice skating rink. Certainly the hilly areas make it more treacherous but non-the-less, bad roads are just bad roads. It is a true statement that Pacific Northwest drivers don't understand how to navigate in slick conditions. I still can drive in those conditions but what worries me is those around me who do not understand it. The worst may be those (in all the above mentioned states) who have four wheel drive vehicles. Sure you can get better traction for your speed rate, but physics are physics and you simply can not stop any faster.
You really hit a sore spot here. I lived in the Bremerton area of Washington state for 31 years after being in North Dakota for part of my childhood. I moved back to ND over 33 years ago, so I have driven in snow both places. That snow in the northwest is not like our snow here! First of all, you can get three feet of the slipperiest wet stuff in three hour nvinced anybody, and probably have not convinced anyone on this forum, but it is TRUE!
20 Dec 08
Originally posted by Frank BurnsAll true of course.
I know what you speak of. I grew up in Montana. I now live in Oregon after a number of years living in Washington state. I've driven in Montana, N. Dak., Minnesota, Wyoming, Utah, Oregon, and Washington in the winters. I remember the squeak you speak of. Such bitter dry cold snow, you could even hear it when you walked. But you know as well as I do ...[text shortened]... traction for your speed rate, but physics are physics and you simply can not stop any faster.
My big beef is people who slam on their brakes or try to turn quickly in wintery conditions. As you said, it's all about physics. You can make a turn on a slippery road just fine if you don't have too much force to the outside of the turn. You can slow down also if you do it slowly so the tires do not loose traction.
I'm not sure about the snow being wetter in the Northwest. It is pretty wet in Michigan also. The only difference I see, the snow on the road doesn't melt in Michigan so there is no chance of it re-freezing and turning to ice. If that is any consolation. 😕