Winter Driving Tips
Dan Bodiker in Truth article/video
The following article appeared in the Truth on Jan. 27, 2010, written by Chase Snyder (csnyder@etruth.com). For a video of Bod driving (including a demonstration of a controlled skid) and sharing his tips, go to the Truth online article. GOSHEN -- Elkhart County has seen snowfall in the past week, and with more in the forecast, roads in some areas are bound to be slick. For new drivers and those not accustomed to icy roads, this means greater risk of crashes. Dan Bodiker, a Goshen resident, has been teaching driver's education at Bethany Christian Schools and other local schools since the 1970s. When wintry weather brings slippery roadways, Bodiker takes his students to a safe stretch of road so they can practice driving in adverse conditions. In his long career as a driving instructor, Bodiker has been in only four crashes, and two of them were on snowy roads. The Truth had a conversation with Bodiker to find out about his top recommendations for drivers facing icy streets. Q: What is the biggest mistake you see people make when they're driving in snowy weather? A: Driving too fast and not slowing down soon enough. It's a big mistake not giving yourself enough time, and not starting to brake soon enough. When we pull out of the school parking lot, I always tell my students to look down to the light at the end of the street and think 'what are the chances that I'm going to make that light?' Always approach every light with the idea that you're gonna stop and give yourself good stopping distances. Q: What do you see people doing often that they shouldn't do when driving in adverse weather? A: The three worst things you can do are overpowering and giving it too much gas; overbraking, when you slam the brakes on too hard; and oversteering, where you turn doughnuts and start to spin out. Q: For someone who has already spun out or is stuck in a snow bank, what advice do you have? A: That depends how far in you are. The most important place to clear the snow is between the front and back tires, because if you just shovel out in front of the car, you're making a pile of snow you'll have to drive over. It's also a good idea to keep your wheels straight when you're driving out of it. Q: What would you recommend keeping in the car to be prepared for unexpected troubles on bad roads? A: Wiper blades, windshield washer liquid and antifreeze are musts, as well as jumper cables, a shovel and an extra coat in case you get stranded. You can also bring cat litter, which can be spread in front of the tires to give them more traction when trying to dislodge the car from a snowbank or climb a slippery incline. Q: What's the main advice you would give to drivers facing icy roads? A: "Be patient," says Bodiker. "Drive slower and give yourself time."
