RMR: Rick's Rant - Winter Driving

Rick's Rant for November 25, 2008

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• Rick
• Mercer
• Report
• CBC
• Television
• Comedy
• Rant

[Ranma1981]

I laugh at fellow Canadians who don't learn that when snow falls ....you can't be driving like its July......come on people....wet, slushy, snowy, icey....means SLOW THE HELL DOWN!!! Get to a empty parking lot and test you traction and get used to sliding again! It helps. Give yourself plenty of time to brake, nice slow and easy.

[scoobydo]

It's like every year people have to re-learn how to drive in the snow. They think that they are "better drivers" if they act like the snow has no affect on them. Especially people who All Wheel Drive. They think it's a license to ignore the drving conditions. It's called physics..... wake up people!!!

Thank you Rick Mercer. Once again you are the voice of reason in a sea of absurdity.

[PynkWalkr]

A tip to all you drivers of slush-o-matic transmission-equipped cars: shift into neutral when you approach a stop--it puts far less strain on the traction of the wheels.

And on the topic of traction, you have to stop and think about it: the only thing connecting your 3000-pound car to the road is 4 patches of rubber. If those 4 patches have inadequate traction, you lose a lot of car control and you endanger the lives of yourself, your occupants, and other road-users. Get winter tires.

[kangag3]

@scotto132 Do some research into how all season rubber compounds lose grip below 4C. A modern winter tire is designed to avoid this problem and remains softer and sticky down to a much lower temperature. Regardless of the road conditions (even dry!), winter tires will always grip better on a cold surface than all season tires, thus improving your ability to steer and stop. If you're as smart and safe as you think you are, why do you choose NOT to make your car as safe as possible!

[goodrita]

last year, I remember seeing some rich snob in a Lexus going down the street sideways...literally

[scotto132]

@k3vinheyland Unless you're living in Yellowknife or Churchill, you really don't need "winter tires". Even then, it's about being a smart and safe driver. Slow down, take your time, and if you don't have ABS, pump those brakes. Not everything has to be rushed. That's the problem with most drivers today. Doesn't matter what tires they have. Everyone is in a rush, and they're not willing to take that extra five minutes to drive safely.

[scotto132]

@k3vinheyland Good for your dad. Yes, it IS the driver's fault if they get into an accident if they can't prevent it themselves. You're driving a huge hunk of metal, rubber, and other fixtures. Drivers have a responsibility. My point was that a stupid driver can't just put on winter tires and be fine. No. It's more than that, so before you claim to know it all. Get the facts straight. The reason they're called All-Seasons is because they're good for all seasons!!!!! It's a marketing ploy.

[k3vinheyland]

@scotto132 You are a moron! My father is a paramedic and almost every call he has to go to is a driver without winter tires on, guess what they have? ALL SEASON! These tires arent just marketed to Canada you know, they also sell those same tires to the United States. The states generally has less snow than Canada does and so All season is good there. If youre so cocky to think that you dont need winters then go ahead. Im assuming that you drive so when you crash it is your own fault.

[clydedog0570]

Snow tires have deeper treads so are better in the snow for attaining traction to drive. The problem is that there is less rubber on the road with them and they don't stop as well on clear asphalt. Still I agree that when snow comes, slow down and practice your stopping and skid control before you need to do it for real. Power poles, guardrails and other stationary vehicles tend to jump out in front of moving cars when the snow starts to fly.....!

[NinjamanJ57]

Torantarted

[scotto132]

Sorry Rick, I disagree with you on this one. Snow tires give more tread but it's very minimal. It's just a marketing ploy to attain more capital. If you're a safe and smart driver, you can use all-seasons. THEY'RE CALLED ALL SEASON TIRES!!!

I think rather than blaming it on the tires, blame it on the driver.

[MrWildECoyote1]

@MrWildECoyote1 I have 3 cars and 2 of them have snows,

the last car all just polish off my all seaons or whatever I have

its a work car only.

if you only knew the amount of driving experience I have

rally and defensive driving techniques all self taught trust me I can do things with a car that people only dream off and yes snows are pricey