First, I'd like to apologize to the driver whose car I passed on the right a week ago Friday and thank the weather and the state highway department for making it not only possible but necessary.

As you might remember, the weather went from rain to sleet to snow in a matter of about 30 seconds shortly after dark, turning most of the roads into ice sheets. This did not mean that driving conditions were unsafe. It meant stopping conditions were unsafe.

I was driving to Hobart from Valparaiso on Ind. 130 after the roads iced over but, apparently, before man invented salt and the snowplows to spread it. I tried to drive like our cat walks, like the floor is a continuous booby trap that he has to cross without actually touching it, possibly with little Hovercrafts on his paws.

I was doing about 35 mph when, about halfway between Wheeler and County Line Road, I noticed a car ahead of me going slower than me. I backed off the accelerator but quickly saw that would not be enough. So, I gently applied the brakes.

The next few seconds of underwear-soiling adventure seemed to last about three hours. The moment I touched the brakes, my car started to skid at a slight angle to the right. I could see that, unless I was saved by Superman, I was headed for a ramming.

Flashing emergency lights farther ahead told me I needed a plan, and quickly, or the flashing lights, and my insurance agent, would be visiting me soon. My best chance seemed to be to get my car onto the berm, which was still snowy and might have slightly more traction than the road.

I made it, barely avoiding the other car's rear bumper. As I tapped the brake and skidded, the car again spun slightly to the right, where I saw out my front window the steep embankment over which I might soon plummet.

I was afraid to look at the other driver for fear it might be some maniacally laughing demon, like in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." I turned the wheel trying to straighten my car, but my car pivoted at almost a 45-degree angle to the left, my front fender swinging around inches in front of the other car as I slid past.

After a few more wiggles, I straightened my car out in front of the other car, back in the right lane of Ind. 130. Using the berm again I was able to stop without hitting the next car in the line.

I thought of walking back to apologize to the other driver, but I don't think I could have pried my fingers off the steering wheel. There also was the danger of falling on the ice.

There didn't seem to be any danger of being hit by a snowplow.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at pwieland@nwitimes.com or (219) 548-4352.