when driving on slippery roads you should

3 min read 15-04-2025

when driving on slippery roads you should

Winter driving presents unique challenges. Slippery roads, caused by snow, ice, or rain, drastically increase the risk of accidents. Knowing how to handle these conditions is crucial for your safety and the safety of others. This comprehensive guide will detail essential driving techniques for slippery roads.

Before You Even Start the Engine: Preparation is Key

Before venturing out onto slick surfaces, preparation is paramount. Neglecting this step can be dangerous.

Vehicle Check:

Tires: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. Consider winter tires for optimal grip in icy or snowy conditions. Under-inflated tires reduce traction significantly.
Brakes: Verify your brakes are in good working order. Reduced braking distance is critical on slippery roads.
Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid: Make sure your wipers are in good condition and you have sufficient washer fluid to clear your windshield effectively. Visibility is paramount.
Emergency Kit: Pack an emergency kit including blankets, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, and non-perishable food and water. Being prepared for unexpected delays is essential.

Planning Your Route:

Check Weather Conditions: Before you leave, check the weather forecast. Knowing what to expect allows for better preparation and route planning.
Avoid Unnecessary Trips: If possible, postpone non-essential trips until conditions improve. Staying home is the safest option in severe weather.

Driving Techniques for Slippery Roads: Mastering the Art of Controlled Driving

Driving on slippery roads requires a significant adjustment to your driving style. Smooth, deliberate movements are key.

Steering:

Gentle Turns: Avoid sudden or sharp turns. Steer smoothly and gradually. Jerky movements can easily lead to loss of control.
Avoid Over-Steering: Over-correcting a skid can worsen the situation. Make slow, controlled steering adjustments.

Acceleration:

Gentle Acceleration: Accelerate slowly and gradually, avoiding sudden bursts of speed. Sudden acceleration can cause wheelspin and loss of traction.
Avoid Spinning Wheels: If your wheels begin to spin, ease off the accelerator immediately. Regaining control is the priority.

Braking:

Gentle Braking: Brake gently and progressively. Avoid hard braking, which can lock your wheels and cause a skid. Controlled braking is crucial for safe stopping.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): If your vehicle is equipped with ABS, apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal. The system will prevent wheel lock-up. Don’t pump the brakes.
Downshifting (Manual Transmission): For vehicles with manual transmissions, downshifting can help slow the vehicle using engine braking. This should be used in conjunction with brake pressure, not in place of it.

Increase Following Distance:

Maintain a Safe Distance: Always maintain a greater following distance than usual. This provides more reaction time in case of unexpected events. Stopping distances are significantly longer on slippery surfaces.

What to Do if You Start to Skid

Skids are a significant hazard on slippery roads. Knowing how to react quickly and correctly can mean the difference between a minor incident and a serious accident.

How to Recover from a Skid:

Steer in the direction of the skid: Do not fight the skid. Gently steer the vehicle in the direction that the rear of your car is skidding.
Ease off the accelerator: Remove your foot from the accelerator to reduce speed.
Avoid braking: Braking will likely worsen the skid.
Once you regain control, steer straight and gently accelerate: Gradually regain control and steer straight, accelerating gently to maintain momentum.

Additional Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Use your headlights: Even during the day, using your headlights improves visibility for other drivers.
Check your blind spots: Be extra cautious when changing lanes or merging.
Be aware of black ice: Black ice is nearly invisible and extremely dangerous. Drive with extra caution, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Stay informed: Monitor weather reports and road conditions regularly.

Driving on slippery roads requires caution, skill, and preparedness. By following these tips and practicing safe driving techniques, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents and enjoy safer winter travel. Remember, your safety and the safety of others are paramount.