Thoughts on Driving in Snow...!

In my very limited exposure to driving in snow (three trips so far), I've already observed some things. :) Here are just some quick thoughts on it.

-When there's a solid layer of snow on the road, with no lane lines visible, you just follow the tracks you see from prior cars... or stay toward the right of the road. Sometimes, if there is enough traffic, people's tires will have worn away the snow so there are almost lanes.

-You might see lane markings cris-cross beneath the exposed parts of road, but you just stick with the tracks. (It's usually only a slight deviation.)

-Stoplights remind you how many lanes there are supposed to be.

-35 mph is perfectly acceptable on a highway if it's snowing.

-Windshield wiper fluid freezes, becoming useless, and your wipers just smear things around if there's currently no snow falling. It's hard to refrain from turning them on, though. Conversely, wet snow falling is wonderful for clearing a windshield.

-Sideview mirrors can frost over, but you can still see headlights, sort of.

-Thankfully, people tend to drive more slowly when it's snowy.

-People tend to run red lights rather than try to brake, especially if the road is sloping downhill. I did it twice today, but the lights were mostly yellow.

-When executing a turn, you can slide even at slow speeds. I usually slow to about 10 mph, but it's still a little squirrelly.

-Snowy conditions look just like fog, only different. :) The whole sky becomes overcast in a grey-white color, and especially at night, the falling snow reflects off headlights and decreases visibility.

-Moonlight reflects great off snow-covered ground.

-Snowplows make sparks! (extra visible at night)

-Parking lots are like lanes on the road-- people sort of park in rows, but they're a little more creative because there's a blank, white slate to work with.

I'm sure more oddities of snow and winter will become apparent to us as we live in it. The weather lately reminds me of stories I've seen on the news in the past, about winter storms elsewhere.... now it's life! Was out shopping with Sean today (in 11 degree, snowing weather) and we marveled at how we live here now! Pretty exciting! We love it, even though it's a little intimidating sometimes. Definitely a lot different than California! But it's great to learn and grow through new experiences.