Winter Snow Storm Advice for Southerners, especially Virginians

After growing up in Michigan, I've learned a thing or two about snowstorms and thunder snowstorms. If you have to be out in a snow storm, here are just a few things to keep in mind:

1. SUV DOES NOT mean Slideproof Utility Vehicle
I come from the motor city so I know a thing or two about cars. Remember, most SUV's are top heavy which changes their center of gravity. Therefore, even though SUV's are heavier that most passenger cars, they are more likely to roll-over and it doesn't take much for them to do so. ALSO, for you sports car people ESPECIALLY MUSTANG owners, please take it easy around curves and corners. I can't even count how many Mustangs I've seen fish-tail while taking a turn at an intersection.

2. Practice in an empty parking lot.
Every year, usually in October or November it would start to snow. And, one thing I learned is that driving in snow is much like muscle memory. You have to get re-acquantied with the feeling of stopping and/or sliding. Once you practice a few times in the parking lot doing donuts (which is spinning the car in a controlled environment), you begin to get comfortable with the feeling. So, if you start sliding in traffic, you will have built up a resistance to panic. Also, you'll learn your car's breaking distance in the snow (which is how much distance you need to start breaking before you come to a complete stop). OH, BIG NOTE -- when you do stop at a traffic light leave a car length between you and the car stopped in front of you. Why, you ask? Because if the driver behind you has trouble stopping, the accident only involves two cars.

3. NO SLAMMING ON THE BREAKS, period. I know that it might freak you out that you may not have enough time to stop, but slamming on the breaks ALWAYS makes the situation worse.

4. HAVE plenty of groceries
One year a snow storm caught us all by surprise. What we believed would be a 3-4 inch covering of snow turned into 16 inches (apparently the storm stalled over the area). Anyway, because the area wasn't prepared, it took almost 3 days to get the roads clear and we didn't have any groceries in the house. Well, we did have rice and beans. But, long story short, it was miserable. Just make your life easier and stock-up.

I would be remiss if I didn't give you at least one really fun thing to do with all the new snow. While you're stocking up on groceries by some flavored syrups. That way you can make real snow cones with your family.

5. Be patient and resist the urge to hurry. We are all in this together. It's not just snowing over your house or car. So, be patient with the snow plowing crews and understand that your street may not be a priority and the person in front of you may be scared to death of driving in the snow.

Well, here's my top 5. If I've missed any good ones, feel fee to leave a comment. Perhaps we can create a comprehensive list of tips and advice.