How to Drive Safely in Snowy Weather
1 Answers
When driving in snowy weather, the most important thing is to stay focused, avoid distractions, maintain a steady speed, keep a safe distance, and use engine braking to reduce speed. Snow-covered roads often have low friction coefficients, making it easy for wheels to skid or slide sideways, which compromises vehicle stability and braking performance. Therefore, heightened attention is crucial. Below are some key precautions for driving in snowy conditions: 1. Reduce speed: Due to extremely low traction on icy roads, drivers should slow down and maintain a safe distance—three times the usual distance on dry roads—to prevent skidding or collisions. 2. Utilize engine braking: When decelerating or stopping on snowy roads, rely on engine braking to reduce speed. Avoid using the foot brake if possible; if necessary, apply it gently and intermittently, supplementing with the parking brake. 3. Turn the steering wheel slowly: When making turns on icy roads, ease off the accelerator in advance to reduce speed smoothly. Steer gently without sudden movements, and widen the turning radius when road conditions allow to minimize wheel skidding. 4. Slow down early when meeting other vehicles: Choose a wide, safe section of the road, slow down in advance, hold the steering wheel steady, and pass slowly on the right side while maintaining a generous lateral distance from other vehicles and the roadside. If necessary, stop and yield. If the meeting point is unsafe, do not force it—instead, one vehicle should reverse to make way rather than compete for space. 5. Avoid overtaking on snowy roads: As a rule, overtaking is not recommended on icy roads. If absolutely necessary, choose a wide, flat, and less snowy section, wait for the leading vehicle to slow down and yield, and never force an overtake at high speed to prevent accidents.
