The Classic Icy Road Spin Out... and how to Avoid / Counter / Respond

Last weekend, the mid west was pommelled with snow. There is more than 12-inch snow in my place and we are expecting another onslaught of snow this weekend! With no end in sight, as much as we try to avoid driving in these conditions, sometimes life events require us to ‘deal with it’ and make treacherous journeys.

This was the case for our CEO, over the weekend and on Sunday, despite his best efforts to avoid, after sliding on “black ice", countering to correct, and oscillating a couple of times, he found himself stuck in a snow-filled ditch on the side of a scary section of highway.

Thankfully nothing serious happened and he is still whole to tell you this story. This blog is dedicated to sharing our experience with you; sharing ways to prevent / counter spins outs; and what you need to know if what happened to him, happens to you.

Avoid spin outs altogether:

-Stay off the road. This is the best way to avoid spinning out. If you find yourself bored, try buying some throwing knives, they go great with our Threat Down Targets and can be used in the comfort of your home or in your basement.

-Keep speeds slow and avoid sudden changes in speed – especially when changing lanes, rounding turns, and on the on/off ramps.

-Have the most current information before deciding to leave your house – most states keep their DOT websites up to date!

If you find yourself in a spin out:

-Stay calms and DON’T break!

-Turn into the spin (and your turn should be proportionate to the severity of the spin).

-Expect your car to oscillate several times – remember over-correction in steering only makes it worse!!!

Oops, I’m in a ditch:

-Communicate to local Law Enforcement Agencies and your insurance company of status – assuming no injuries – and get a support vehicle on site.

-Mark your position to warn oncoming traffic – I like flares because they work both day and night (plus who doesn’t like pyro)!

-Unlike me, have a snow shovel, chains, and a tow rope – maybe you can get yourself out with a little elbow grease – but don’t put yourself in danger spot by working you digging out.

After my mishap, I went google to see what information was out there on this topic and found this video useful:

Stay safe this winter and always air on the side of caution when traveling!!!

As always, train hard and stay frosty!

It doesn’t hurt to state the obvious. Please, please don’t leave your house unless it is absolutely necessary. Any less than necessary can wait, for your life is more important than whatever it is. If you feel the need to engage in productive and fun activities, prepare before the winter hits. You might some of the products listed below from Triumph Systems to make your winter fun while honing your firearm shooting skills.