What are the main impacts of driving on muddy roads on safe driving?
2 Answers
The main impact of muddy roads on safe driving is that they make the vehicle's tires extremely prone to slipping and skidding. Muddy surfaces are very soft and sticky, and the mud adheres to the tires, reducing the friction between the tires and the ground, as well as the traction. This makes the vehicle more likely to experience slipping and skidding. At the same time, due to the deterioration of road conditions, the driving resistance also increases, which can easily damage mechanical components and even lead to accidents. The following precautions should be taken when driving on muddy roads: 1. Try not to shift gears when driving on muddy surfaces. This is because the engine's torque curve shows an initial increase in torque as the speed rises, but after reaching a certain speed, the torque decreases as the speed increases. 2. If necessary, you can appropriately reduce the tire pressure to navigate muddy roads. If both wheels slip and the entire vehicle gets stuck in the mud, you can use a self-contained jack to lift the vehicle.
I remember once driving long-distance in the countryside and encountering muddy roads after rain. The car felt like it was skidding, the steering wheel was light, and the brakes were slower. Mainly, the mud reduced tire grip significantly, making it easy to fishtail or lose control at higher speeds, especially when turning. I also experienced mud getting stuck in the tire treads, causing the brakes to be less responsive and nearly leading to a rear-end collision. Now I know that on such roads, it's important to maintain a slow speed, keep a greater distance from the car ahead, and avoid sharp turns or sudden braking. Additionally, splashing mud can sometimes obstruct the windshield, increasing the risk of misjudgment. Without experience, accidents can easily happen. So now, before every trip, I check the weather and avoid slippery sections.
