What are the main effects of icy and snowy roads on driving?
3 Answers
The main effects of icy and snowy roads on driving include increased difficulty in vehicle control, extended braking distance, tendency for wheel spin, high risk of skidding, and increased likelihood of traffic accidents. When driving on icy or snowy roads, it is important to avoid following other vehicles too closely, as this can easily lead to rear-end collisions when the vehicle in front slows down or brakes. Additionally, avoid making sharp turns. Try to refrain from overtaking on icy roads. When meeting oncoming traffic, choose flat and wide road sections, maintain sufficient lateral safety distance between vehicles, and avoid getting too close to the roadside. To reduce speed, utilize the engine's braking effect rather than applying emergency brakes or making sudden steering maneuvers to evade obstacles, as these actions may cause skidding or loss of steering control.
I've personally experienced the impact of icy and snowy roads on driving many times. The road surface is too slippery, significantly reducing tire grip. A slight press on the brakes causes the wheels to skid, and once on a downhill slope, I almost lost control and hit a wall. The braking distance is much longer, taking two to three times the usual time to come to a stop. Turning is even worse—the car suddenly fishtails and becomes very unstable. Visibility is another major issue; the windshield frosts over and fogs up in the morning, and it's hard to wipe clean until the car warms up. Snow and ice also make it difficult to start the car and increase fuel consumption, while the risk of accidents becomes frighteningly high. I believe it's essential to switch to snow tires or add snow chains before snowfall, reduce speed, maintain a greater distance, and drive slowly for safety. In winter, don't rush—getting home safely is what matters most.
I'm most worried about driving with my family on snowy and icy days. Snow and ice-covered roads reduce friction, making vehicles prone to losing control and sliding, especially during sudden braking or turning, when the car may skid sideways as if dancing on ice. The braking distance becomes significantly longer—once, while taking my child to school, I had to brake suddenly and slid dangerously close to a ditch. Visibility also becomes blurred, with icy windshields delaying departure as I struggle to see the road conditions. All these factors increase the risk of accidents, especially for young children. To protect my family, I always check tire pressure and tread in advance, switch to winter gear, keep an emergency shovel and anti-slip mats in the car, drive at reduced speeds, make gentle turns, and avoid icy sections whenever possible. Safety is the top priority—I can't afford to take any risks.
