Profile For Shawn H.

Hi, Carlos. You listed some decent "rules" for icy driving. I wrote a post called "sleigh ride" about driving on icy roads. Use the search box above and look for that term. The basic idea is to not use any braking if you suspect ice might be on the roads. That means driving real slow.

Here's a few comments listed by your numbers:

1. Sure cold night air might mean ice. But did you realize that warmer daytime temps means wet ice? That's more dangerous. 2. "Don't worry ... the roads are pre-treated." Sure they are. And your brother will be paying you back that $50 he owes you next week, too! Don't trust that rule. Drive for ice, and you get a good surprise if the salt's been laid down.

3 + 4. The thing about icy bridges is true. Bridges get iced up way before regular roads. As you approach, slow down (coast, no brakes), and aim for a point on the other side. Try not to change direction or touch the brakes until you get over the bridge. Use the accelerator lightly or not at all. 5. Jakes/ engine retarders only work to slow the drive axle - the wheels in the middle of your rig. Yes, that's an invitation to jackknife.

6. Retarder systems usually have three levels on the switch, and yes, it uses a certain number of cylinders to adjust the stopping power. 7. Driving before or àpres snow? I figure fresh snow will have better traction than packed snow, all things being equal. You should be more concerned about driving visibility. 8. This sounds like driver lounge talk. It also contradicts your #7. 9. Your truck has a dashboard thermometer that reports outside air temperature. You'll see a warning signal come up at 34°. See your #1. 10. Don't know about that. Maybe you won't run into that wet ice as in #1?

Extra suggestion: before it gets too cold, stop at a Walmart in the northern states to get a good cold weather work jacket and gloves, etc. Texas stores won't carry the real cold weather gear.

Do you know what's scary guys, is that some off our brothers still think some of this. I had a great teacher 15 years ago and my company sends an experienced driver with newbies in the winter. I live in northern Minnesota, and the gentleman in this is spot on. The only advice I'd give is this and it goes for anything, you or we can go slow in dangerous conditions, roads weather, a million times. We'll only go to fast once. Find one good teacher and keep him or her and block out the others they'll just become noise. You're off to a great start by just asking. Thanks for doing you're best to keep our roads safe. Best of luck and happy travels.