Why do people drive slower when it's cold?

[imcarthur]

I was out for a wine, movie rental & gas (for the friggin' snowblower) run early this morning & it reminded me of this phenomenon. Every time it gets really, really cold (bone chilling - not ooh, I need a sweater Cali cold), many drivers drive sub-speed limit. Sure, the car needs a little warm-up before you flog it, but this is on the highways too.

Do people think that their car will shatter if they go over a bump too fast when it's really cold?

Ian

[trekkor]

Ice on the road leads to spin outs and injury?


Just a guess...


KT

[imcarthur]

No. Clear roads. Frosty white actually. But no snow, no ice. I can understand when it's slippery, but I am talking clear, clear roads.

Ian

[Jim Richards]

frozen synapses

[Aerkuld]

It's probably the same problem that causes people to completely forget how to drive as soon as it rains.

[Heel n Toe]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

Do people think that their car will shatter if they go over a bump too fast when it's really cold?

Oh, yeah... motor mounts, suspension bushings, coil springs, tires, even... all that stuff will absolutely shatter when you hit bumps and potholes in really cold weather. You didn't know that, Ian? Don't be honking at those people.

You need to slow down, dude.


Seriously, my guess is they may be tiptoeing a bit on the lookout for black ice. They may also be thinking about how they'd rather go slower (and tick faster drivers off) than possibly chance skidding off the side of the road and having to dig themselves out in the cold.

Because they know that nobody is gonna stop to help 'em in the cold.

One more thing... if a faster driver skids off, they shouldn't count on any help from the slower, more careful driver, either. He's just gonna drive past, point, and laugh. Yukyukyukyukyuk.

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by Aerkuld

It's probably the same problem that causes people to completely forget how to drive as soon as it rains.

or when it"s sunny.

or over a bridge.

[Heel n Toe]

Another reason they may be driving slow is because that local news dude or dudette is always telling them, "Conditions are horrible... don't go out unless you have to... but if you have to, be verrrrry careful."

[VaSteve]

I probably do it to. I'm bundled up and can't bend my arms. I don't want to move any more than I have to so I probably drive slower.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

I probably do it to. I'm bundled up and can't bend my arms. I don't want to move any more than I have to so I probably drive slower.

Bingo, you are less comfortable, bundled up, less mobil, possibly wearing gloves, heavier shoes, most likely boots.

All add up to an unfamiliar driving experience. You could almost say it's like driving a different car.

[livi]

In southern Sweden we rarely have snow, but the malicious black ice is rather common. Problem is that it is not homogeneously spread on a piece of road. Good grip suddenly replaced by no grip what so ever and the road ahead looks exactly the same.

[Zeke]

Come on. I don't live in the cold country, but I have to believe a bit of extra caution is in order if it's really "bone chilling" cold. I've hit black ice and I know what a scare that is. Yes, the weather was cold...and nice and clear. So was that ice!

[imcarthur]

Well, I bundle too but in a flexible lined leather jacket & street shoes. I mean, you're driving, not trekking to the north pole. It ain't safe unless you can maneuver your vehicle as well if not better than warm weather driving. I always assume anybody bundled for the Arctic who is behind the wheel of a car in Toronto is a freak & to be avoided.

And black ice? Yes, I know. I have done & seen some real fun & games on ice. I think I agree, Jim: frozen synapses

Ian

[svandamme]

When it's cold , wet, frosty or snowy, i tend to go slower in a linear path, but in turn my sideways action increases...so does my fuel consumption...

[exc911ence]

I personally applaud people for slowing down when it's frigid outside... there are way too many idiots around my neck of the woods that never adjust their driving habits to conditions. Seeing that you're in Toronto, you must have just gotten the same reprieve that we did from the -30 weather over the past week. There were hundreds of accidents every day this week here in Ottawa from people driving too fast for the conditions and losing control on the black ice. Even the best snow tires are hard as hockey pucks at -30 and your car will not stop, steer or accelerate anywhere near its normal capabilities. Learn a lesson from these slow drivers, they're more in tune than you appear to be.

The other obvious thing to keep in mind that even in perfect conditions in the middle of summer, the speed limit is a maximum, not a minimum.

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by exc911ence

the speed limit is a maximum, not a minimum.

crazy talk.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by exc911ence

The other obvious thing to keep in mind that even in perfect conditions in the middle of summer, the speed limit is a maximum, not a minimum.

It's a suggestion.

[Jim Richards]

it's a joke.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

frozen synapses

I think you're dendrite.

[old man neri]

Ian,

When it starts getting really cold the rubber of your tires becomes harder and starts loosing adhesion. Especially all-seasons. I once drove some all seasons in -40, they were a joke, almost like driving on ice.

However, that being said, I doubt any of the Toronto drivers realize this. The majority of them would have problems counting the number of tires on their cars.

-matt