Navigating Icy Roads: Four Common Mistakes to Avoid
Whether you're an experienced winter driver or new to dealing with icy roads, it's crucial to stay cautious when driving in such conditions. Aussiedlerbote spoke with Lucas Waldenback, a driving instructor, and co-founder of the online driving education platform, Zutobi. Waldenback reveals the three most common mistakes people make when driving on ice and how to avoid them.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overbraking
When you sense you're on an icy patch, your initial instinct might be to slam on the brakes. However, Waldenback advises against this approach. "Applying too much pressure on the brakes causes the tires to lock up," he said to Aussiedlerbote. "When your tires lose traction on the road, your tires won't grip the surface, and your vehicle begins to slide."
Losing control over your vehicle can make it challenging to steer or return to the road. Instead, Waldenback advises gently removing your foot from the accelerator and steering calmly in the desired direction, without making sudden movements.
2. Accelerating Too Rapidly
Accelerating on icy roads is dangerous since the tires may lose traction, resulting in the wheels spinning. This can exacerbate the situation, eventually leading to drifting or loss of control. "Reduce your speed, and let the vehicle slow down until you regain traction again. Use your brakes lightly but with care," Waldenback explains.
3. Tailgating
This mistake, while obvious, is not uncommon even during icy conditions. Leave plenty of room between the vehicles to avoid rear-ending one when the driver ahead loses control. "Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to prevent a collision in the event the driver loses control," Waldenback advises.
4. Panic
Losing control over your car can be frightening, but panicking makes matters worse. Waldenback stresses that panicking might cause you to overreact, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control further. Instead, stay calm, gently remove your foot from the accelerator, and steer slowly in the desired direction.
Safety Tips for Driving on Ice
Beyond avoiding these common mistakes, here are additional precautions to ensure your safety when driving on icy roads:
- Prepare for Winter Weather: Ensure you have the proper tires for winter driving, and check your vehicle before venturing out. Keep emergency supplies on hand for unexpected situations.
- Drive Slowly and Maintain Distance: Reduce your speed to provide yourself more time to respond to changing road conditions. Leave a generous distance between yourself and other vehicles.
- Plan Ahead: Allow extra time for your commute since travel times may be longer in winter weather. This will help avoid overreactive driving decisions due to time constraints.
