Behind the Wheel - Be Prepared for Trouble
 

It's easy to become complacent. I remember putting chains on my father's tow truck and plowing snow with the front bumper at 30 mph to go and drag a hapless motorist back onto the highway. I also remember my time in northern BC where one didn't leave the driveway without a shovel, tow rope, extra winter clothing, tools and a collection of small spare parts at this time of year. So, how am I doing today here on Vancouver Island?

Two weeks ago my normal 20 minute commute turned into a 2 hour journey that ended 25 meters short of my driveway in about 25 cm of snow. Would I have made it all the way if I had winter tires on my truck instead of all season tires with a blocky tread? Maybe, but I'll bet that if I had a set of chains the trip would have been one hour or less instead of 2 and I would not have had to rely on the push of two neighbours.

Mental note to self, research and buy a good set of chains after the stores recover from the panic buying of last week.

Yes, I still carry booster cables, a first aid kit, tools, spares, flares, triangles, blanket, cell phone, ham radio and I had a shovel with me, but I didn't have a tow rope nor those chains that I might only use once a year if I'm unlucky. I also stopped carrying candles when I left the north. Sadly, this left me unable to look after myself that day.

It may also have left me unable to provide help for others. Having had that expected of me for 25 years leaves me feeling kind of foolish now. I know that I can't expect "the government" to provide everything but as I said, it easy to become complacent. Time to smarten up and like the Scout I once was, be prepared!

Reference Links

I'd like to point out here that if you're going to get chains, read and abide by the instructions. Don't exceed 35km/h, don't drive on bare pavement. At best you're going to destroy your chains, at worst you're going to injure someone when they come flying off.

I really think these posts should be in the general VAC or Offtopic forums.

They are a goldmine of valuable advice and this sub-forum doesn't get enough traffic.

Copied to VOT.

Thank you! It's amazing the difference in reception between this forum and Vancouver Mustangs....although I am sure that there are some nice people over there who don't post.

what kind of reaction do you get from them?

Pretty nasty. I keep wondering why I post my column there...

Well, whaddya expect? Anyone who would actually spend money on a Ford... and a Rustang, at that... ;) :D :haha:

It's hopeless :p

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p...ustangpic3.jpg

^

he mustve thought, well all the mustang drivers put chains on the rear wheels, im gonna be unique, im gonna put it on the front wheels. WOOT

hahah nice!

besides everybody knows mustangs are the best in snow. why bother telling them to get chains? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXqM46T4ocY

btw the red neck mustang posts http://www.vancouvermustangs.com/for...ad.php?t=61080 for those curious.

Now I really don't know why you go posting over there Skidmark.

And I've now been reminded why I dislike 'closed' communities like those. Inbreeding happens.

I add a a shovel and 4 chains in my 4x4 for winter. yet to use either. what I really should also add is a blanket.

tow strap, gloves, touque, flashlight, road flares, matches, candels, first aid, water, power bars ect ect is standard year round.

and I still avoid going out in this weather unless I have to. there is just no reason to risk things.

it took til the 8th reply for someone to not post a retarded answer, even the mods? wow, good thing I didnt have much respect for mustang owners to begin with :haha:

TekDragon, some car-specific groups are good, but not many.

Just goes to prove, no good deed goes unpunished.

^ what's even funnier is most of the guys on the mustang forum are older too that should be acting more maturely.

Unlike us....who are immature and childish? :)

We might hold the record for age in this forum....sad to say.