Recent Snowstorm Pile-Up | Fredericton, New Brunswick

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the impact of a recent snowstorm in Fredericton, New Brunswick, including personal experiences with snow accumulation, travel difficulties, and the effects on local activities such as school closures and transportation. Participants share anecdotes and observations about snow conditions in various locations, including comparisons to other regions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a video of a pile-up caused by the snowstorm, noting the cancellation of final exams due to the weather.
  • Another participant humorously comments on the situation, referencing a specific car involved in the pile-up.
  • Concerns are expressed about driving conditions, with one participant noting reduced speed limits and visibility issues on Interstate 95 due to blowing snow.
  • A participant from Baton Rouge shares their experience of seeing snow for the first time in years, expressing distrust in local bus drivers' ability to navigate snowy conditions.
  • Discussion includes observations about how front-wheel drive vehicles interacted during the pile-up, suggesting a novel way to absorb energy in collisions.
  • One participant offers driving tips for snowy conditions, emphasizing the importance of caution and proper vehicle handling.
  • Another participant expresses fear about moving to a northern region for grad school due to the snow-related horror stories shared in the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share a range of personal experiences and opinions about snow and driving conditions, but there is no consensus on the best strategies for handling snow or the implications of moving to snowy regions. Multiple competing views remain regarding the severity and management of snow-related challenges.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific driving conditions and personal anecdotes that may depend on local geography and individual experiences. The discussion reflects a variety of perspectives on snow management and safety without resolving the differing viewpoints.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals considering relocation to snowy areas, those interested in driving safety during winter weather, and anyone looking to share or learn about personal experiences with snowstorms.

George Jones
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Evo's taxi/ice storm thread has motivated me to post about our recent snowstorm.

Take a look at what happened to us yesterday; final exams were canceled. The footage from 0:50 until 1:45 is of a pile-up on a downslope that is just a two-minute walk from my apartment. Right-click and zoom to Full screen. Video changes at 5 pm est tonight.

http://www.cbc.ca/video/popup.html?http://www.cbc.ca/ondemand/newsatsix/fredericton.asx

This morning, before I caught the bus, I had to unbury our car (so my wife could use it) from the naturally deposited snow, and and that piled against it by the snow-plough.
 
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How 'bout that 10th car?:smile::smile::smile:
 
Wow, that's really bad. Our Las Vegas location is closing due to snow. Something I never thought I'd hear.

Hope you and your wife are safe George.
 
physics girl phd said:
How 'bout that 10th car?:smile::smile::smile:

I doubt that the police delivered their standard lecture: "You should know better. You should know that in wintry conditions you need to slow down, to give yourself plenty of room to stop, blah blah blah." :biggrin:
Evo said:
Hope you and your wife are safe George.

My wife and little daughter didn't venture outside yesterday, and I took the bus to and from work. My daughter wanted to join the big kids who were playing outside in the snow, but my wife told her that the kids were too big. All the elementary schools and high schools were closed.

The streets aren't perfect today, but they're much better after being ploughed, sanded, and salted.
 
We got that one before it hit you, George. Practically zero visibility in places due to blowing snow, and the speed limits on Interstate 95 were reduced to 40 and 45 mph depending on the section, though often the traffic was crawling along at 30 or less. Lots of vehicles off the road and a few collisions here and there. Cops and wreckers had a busy day!
 
We had snow last week here in Baton Rouge. First time I've seen snow since I was 1 or 2. I didn't go anywhere since I don't trust bus drivers in Louisiana to be able to drive through snow.
 
It is interesting how the front wheel drive vehicles were lifted up and onto the hoods of the front wheel drive cars that hit them. That is a novel way to absorb energy.
 
Lethal here in Vancouver - tips for drivers in 5cm of snow:

In snow and ice perhaps you could let go of the coffee and cell phone while driving

Your 4ton SUV slides a lot further on ice than a Smart car.

The four wheel drive does bugger-all when all 4 wheels are sliding sideways on snow.
Fortunately stamping on the ABS brakes in a panic is exactly the right thing to do.

If you have an empty rear wheel drive pickup, the back wheels are spinning because there is no weight on them, rev-ing the engine higher does not add mass.

I know it's officially daylight - but in driving snow would you please turn on your lights so I can at least aim to miss you.

"I dare not brake in case I skid, so I have to go through all orange and red lights" - is not a well thought out strategy.

ps. In a country where it is often snowy why do the police drive Crown Victorias with all the handling characteristics of a supertanker?
 
  • #10
Speaking of sliding cars...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM2gLjfE_3Y

I wouldn't try to get out of the car...
 
  • #11
noumed said:
Speaking of sliding cars...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM2gLjfE_3Y

I wouldn't try to get out of the car...

This might work better.
 
  • #12
The key is to get a little extra braking action. Your tires might slide, but sticking something in front of your car that will catch and pile up the snow means you have to stop eventually.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jBumIFwreA&feature=related

You know, a good wife wouldn't scream so much when doing that for you.
 
  • #13
Evo said:
Wow, that's really bad. Our Las Vegas location is closing due to snow. Something I never thought I'd hear.

This is just not how I think of Vegas...

2c4f4b6a-6173-42f8-b87a-584e35395beb.jpg


but there you have it!
 
  • #14
I was thinking of going to grad school up north, but all these snow horror stories have me afraid. o_o
 
  • #15
Vid said:
I was thinking of going to grad school up north, but all these snow horror stories have me afraid. o_o

Horror stories? What horror stories? :biggrin:

When I lived on a tropical island for two years, I missed all this.
 

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