ST. LOUIS – We endure our share of icy driving conditions in the region. Let’s look at what could happen and what you can try to do to keep your vehicle from spinning out of control.
Last winter, a firetruck from the Rock Community Fire Protection District went viral as it slid down a neighborhood street in a Jefferson County subdivision. This season, it’s back in service. Firefighters said the harrowing experience taught them valuable lessons.
Firefighter Kevin Steinmeyer was behind the wheel and describes his thought process during the truck’s icy slide.
“My biggest fear was I did not want to hurt anybody; did not want to hurt my guys on the truck; I did not want to run into a house. Trying to keep it under control the best that I possibly could,” he said.
Conventional wisdom is to turn into a skid, but that didn’t work for Steinmeyer.
“When I knew that wasn’t going to work, I tried to get into the grass area because I knew that would slow me down,” he said. “Trying to steer the best I could…the rest is up to God.”
Steinmeyer said there will always be part of you in the back of your head that’s scared or worried what’s going to happen, but the best thing you can do is remain calm. And to avoid skidding situations altogether?
“Take your time. People are in such a big rush nowadays cause they’re always trying to get places in a hurry. If you see a road on a hill that’s shiny, definitely use caution when doing that because it could be ice and it doesn’t take much to have your vehicle start sliding,” he said. “Always be prepared for the worst and try and keep yourself composed and not overreact. Sometimes overreacting is the worst thing.”
Corporal Logan Bolton of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said he’s seen many crashes caused by winter weather. His advice is simple: stay home. And if you are in a crash, stay put.
“The biggest thing for those that don’t need to leave the house, just stay in,” he said. “If you have to get out, plan ahead; your driving is going to take longer; you are going to need to drive slower.
Bolton said you need to make sure you have good tires and wipers and have a car kit ready with your phone, a charger, snacks, water, and a blanket.
Many adults have encountered treacherous driving conditions, and even though our reflexes may not be as proficient as those of young drivers, we anticipate what could go wrong better.
“If there is ice on the road, you should be going slow anyway. You knew it was going to be an inclement weather day. If you see the ice in front of you, don’t slam on the brakes; don’t accelerate; just coast through it. If someone is in front of you and you do need to put the brakes on, you’re not going to slide into them,” Bolton said.
And if you do slide off the road?
“If you do find yourself off the side of the road because you slid off or you were involved in a crash, the safest place for you is for you to remain inside your vehicle,” Bolton said. “You are a lot safer inside your car than outside your car. Call 911.”