Winter driving schools

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

Or you could do what the average Canadian does: check out your local empty 
parking lot after a snow storm and teach yourself!

Winter driving uses the same techniques as track driving but at much lower 
speeds. If the snow isn't slippery enough you can induce a skid with the 
handbrake and correct from there. In fact, a handbrake turn is an official 
technique, well worth practicing as it makes U turns easier in winter. 
Pumping the brakes effectively is another lesson well worth learning, 
assuming you don't have ABS. Threshold braking is a lot more difficult than 
the proponents thereof are prepared to admit. on snow or ice this becomes 
obvious. Lock and unlock is safer, easier, and leads to shorter stopping 
distances than any attempt at threshold braking I have ever tried. I 
suspect the same is true on the track judging from the racing drivers I 
have seen. Threshold braking may be great for fast laps but for stopping 
quickly, nothing beats locked wheels with the necessary release if you need 
to steer.

Even if you learn very little without formal instruction in that parking 
lot, you'll have a lot of fun, guaranteed. Just stay away from the parking 
blocks, light posts and parked cars.

Cheers

Michael


Michael Smith
White 1991 164L
Original owner
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