What is the appropriate driving speed on icy roads?
3 Answers
When driving on snow or ice-covered roads, the maximum speed should not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. The following introduces driving techniques and precautions for driving on icy roads: Driving techniques on icy roads: When overtaking is necessary, maintain a sufficient safe distance from the vehicle being overtaken. After overtaking, do not rush to return to the original lane; instead, wait until there is enough distance between you and the following vehicle before returning to your lane. If the road surface is inclined or arched, choose to drive on flat areas or the middle of the road. If there are ruts, follow them. When the ruts are icy and shallow, drive along them. On icy roads, drive straight as much as possible and avoid frequent lane changes. Precautions: Maintain a safe distance and gently press the accelerator and brake. When driving on icy roads, it is easy to experience situations where the vehicle cannot stop or slides. Drive smoothly and maintain a distance twice the normal following distance from the vehicle ahead. Avoid following too closely and keep at least a 10-meter safety distance to detect situations early and react promptly.
I've driven many long-distance trips before, especially on icy roads in northern regions during winter. You must slow down your speed, otherwise the risk of skidding is too high. I generally recommend maintaining a speed below 15 km/h, particularly when the road is slippery after snowfall. If you drive too fast, the braking distance can extend to two or three times the normal length, making rear-end collisions more likely. I once tried driving at 30 km/h and found it too risky—the car lost control and nearly caused an accident due to skidding. Therefore, always observe road conditions carefully, slow down in advance, maintain at least a 10-second following distance, and avoid sudden braking. Additionally, using snow tires or tire chains can make a big difference, helping the vehicle stay more stable. In short, safety comes first—it's better to drive slowly than to rush, as these tips can be lifesaving.
As an average car owner, I drive with extra caution on icy roads, keeping my speed around 10 to 20 kilometers per hour. If the road is severely icy, like after a freezing rain, I slow down even further to below 10 km/h for peace of mind. I remember once driving on the highway, not noticing the ice, and when my speed slightly exceeded 20 km/h, the car started to skid—fortunately, no one was hurt. Since then, I've made it a habit to check the weather forecast on my phone app in advance. If freezing conditions are predicted, I switch to driving in low-speed mode. I also keep my windshield clear by using the defroster to remove frost, avoiding distracted driving. This not only reduces the risk of accidents but also saves fuel since the engine doesn't need to work as hard. In short, safe driving on icy roads is the top priority.
