"1A Land", Like It Or Not

Sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday, I've got to go to Boise, then again on Friday morning, whether I want to or not.

I've never particularly liked driving around in "1A Land" as I call it, and with the snow and icy roads this week, I'm going to enjoy it even LESS. I've already heard a couple of "I-84" stories today. Even with the roads slick in places, there are still those who think you can breeze along at 75 and 80 out there...and do it safely.

I'll be in an old Bug of course, because I know how good they are on bad roads, I'm just gonna have to keep an extra sharp eye on everybody else.

I fully expect to see 4x4's off the road...........there always ARE, due to that "false sense of security." On a GOOD note though, once IN Boise, I only have to make ONE stop, and it's not far from the freeway. Only ONE stop Friday, too!

I don't know that there is a GOOD day weatherwise this week, and on Friday, I don't have a choice anyway.

Normal tire pressure in most car tires is 32 psi. I like to run about 30 on snow or ice. With a little less air, the tires tend to flatten out just a tad, putting a little more tread on the ground. 40-50 mph is fine if the roads are really bad, and even LESS sometimes..............I'd rather get there a little late, than not at all.

Additionally, it takes a lot more distance to STOP on ice, if you suddenly HAD to. I normally use the age-old equation when you're behind somebody.........remember?......."ONE car length for every ten miles of speed."....................I DOUBLE that and sometimes even TRIPLE it on icy roads.

When I've got someone tailgating ME, I'll gradually slow down until I MAKE him go around me........I don't want him in my back seat if I have to stop suddenly.

I also drive in the right hand lane as a rule, and this is especially so on snow. In the right lane, you usually have plenty of shoulder if you need it. Also, since most of the big rigs use that lane, they keep it fairly "cleaned off", although you still have to watch it.

And, of course, if I have to BE someplace at a given time, and I know the highway might be "iffy" the next morning, I just leave early enough to compensate for that. If the road is better than I thought, and I get there early.........that's ok, I'll just grab a cup of java and relax.

It's supposed to be crappy most of the week, so be safe out there, no matter WHERE you might be off to!