Even if you have already made quick drive to the store before the ice forms, you may find yourself driving on icy roads on the way back. Driving defensively helps keep you and anyone else in your vehicle safer, including everyone else on the road. Here are some defensive driving safety tips to keep in mind while traveling during winter on icy roads.
- Drive Slow. Not only can you possibly prevent an accident on icy roads, but you can actually get a driving ticket for going faster than conditions allow.
- Turn Off Cruise Control. Using your cruise control can keep your car accelerating when you hit a slick spot sending you careening into the car ahead of you or into the ditch at a high rate of speed.
- Go Easy On The Brakes. Driving without using the brakes unnecessarily can help prevent skids.
- Avoid Wide Turns. Avoiding making wide turns can also help prevent unnecessary skidding while driving on icy roads.
- Know How To Recover From A Skid. If your car or truck starts skidding on an icy road, you can reduce the risk of an accident if know how to handle the situation correctly.
How To Recover From Skidding While Driving On Icy Roads
Even if you are doing everything perfectly, you may discover that you still end up in a skid from icy roads. Steering correctly can help stop an unnecessary accident from skidding on ice. However, the correct way to handle skidding on an icy road may differ from one vehicle to another.
Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
If you drive a front-wheel drive vehicle, turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid. Keep turning the steering wheel as the direction of the skid changes. Stay off the brakes and the accelerator. If you have a manual transmission, then pop the clutch.
Rear-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, then turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to travel, however, be prepared to counter-steer if the back of the car moves in the opposite direction. Always avoid jerking the wheel, as this can cause the vehicle to overcorrect and roll.
All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
If your vehicle has all-wheel-drive and does not have anti-locking brakes, then gently tap the brakes repeatedly while steering the car in the direction you want it to go. If, however, your vehicle does have anti-lock brakes, just concentrate on the steering as the brakes will pump themselves.
Stay Informed With Local Winter Road Conditions
Check local or statewide travel information services online for real-time traffic, weather, and road conditions such as 511 Pennsylvania. They feature an interactive map to view winter road conditions, traffic alerts, and more. Here is a screenshot of the interactive road map from 511pa.com:
How Much Do You Know About Black Ice?
When on the road during cold winter conditions, black ice is always a danger. Check out these answers to frequently asked questions about black ice to fill your arsenal with more winter safety knowledge.
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