Driving on ice can be a very scary activity. Some people are so scared of driving on ice, they are a road hazard. Other people are not scared enough. They drive like the roads are clear. Both of these drivers are a hazard to the other cars and trucks on the road. When driving in icy conditions there are several things you can do to be safer.
These Tips will Help You Stay Safe
- Make sure your car is mechanically sound. If the tires are decent and the brakes and heater work properly, you are better equipped to deal with adverse conditions.
- Turn your lights on. It helps others to see you and it’s one less thing to do if the visibility turns ugly on you.
- Start your car early. By getting all of your windows clear and your heater and defroster warmed up, you are able to see all the traffic around you. You can concentrate on your driving, not how cold your fingers are.
- Leave a few minutes early. I know it’s a pain, but if you are not rushed, you will not be tempted to make a rash decision because you are frustrated by the slower traffic.
- Minimize distractions. Don’t be drinking coffee, adjusting the radio or texting your husband. Even a capable driver can lose control of a vehicle on ice.
- Keep two hands on the wheel. This gives you more control in the event that you break traction.
- Go the speed of the traffic. Don’t be the slow poke or the pusher.
- Leave 2-3 car lengths in front of you at least. If you stomp on the brakes on ice you will fishtail or do a complete 360. That is very bad. Tap gently on the brakes in an older vehicle( apply slow steady pressure in a newer car).
This is my number 1-save your butt everytime-never forget tip on ice…
Use Neutral! That’s right. It works in every car and pick up no matter the age, automatic or standard. When you see traffic slowing, put your car in neutral and gently apply the brakes. You will stop smoothly and much faster, everytime.
*The reason is simple. Anytime your car is in gear, you have the transmission applying force to your wheels. On dry pavement, the resistance from the ground surface helps you slow down. On ice, there is very little resistance, which means the transmission is still trying to push you forward. When you apply brakes, the tranni is pushing, the brakes are grabbing and the weight and momentum of your car is throwing you forward . Your tires can suddenly grab in a bare spot or be thrown off course by a rut. This is dangerous. If you bump the trani into Neutral you remove the push. If the tires quit digging in, the brakes are more effective and your stopping is quicker and more controlled. You are doubling your braking capacity. I am amazed at how much more control I have when the car is in neutral.
