What are the adverse effects of driving on icy and snowy roads?
2 Answers
Driving on icy and snowy roads has several adverse effects, including wheel slippage, sideslip, increased risk of rollover, difficulty in control, loss of steering control, and extended braking distance. Here are some precautions for driving on icy and snowy roads: 1. Maintain a safe distance: Do not follow other vehicles too closely, as sudden braking by the vehicle ahead can easily lead to rear-end collisions. Drivers should maintain an appropriate safety distance based on terrain, speed, and load conditions. 2. Avoid overtaking if possible: If overtaking is absolutely necessary due to urgency, choose a wide, flat section with minimal snow and ice, and never force an overtake. When meeting another vehicle, select a flat and wide section, maintain sufficient lateral distance, and avoid getting too close to the roadside. If the road is narrow, the driver with more space should yield by stopping or reversing. 3. Avoid sharp turns: When turning, reduce speed as much as possible in advance, hold the steering wheel firmly, and turn slowly. Increase the turning radius as much as possible without obstructing oncoming traffic to minimize centrifugal force. Never make sudden sharp turns to prevent sideslip or loss of control. 4. Use engine braking to slow down: Avoid emergency braking or sharp steering to evade obstacles, as this may cause sideslip or loss of steering control.
Driving on icy roads is really troublesome, with the most unfavorable condition being reduced traction, which makes the wheels prone to skidding and losing control, especially when turning or braking suddenly. The braking distance becomes significantly longer—what normally takes 5 meters to stop might now require 10 meters or more, making rear-end collisions much more likely. Additionally, road visibility is poor; if it's snowing or foggy, blurred vision makes it hard to see road signs or pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents. Low winter temperatures can also make it difficult to start the battery or engine, causing frustration when the car won't start in the morning. The psychological stress is immense, as every drive is filled with anxiety, fearing an accident that could disrupt plans. For safety, I recommend switching to snow tires and keeping snow chains handy, while also controlling speed and staying within limits.
