What is the recommended 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. Here are the relevant details: Legal basis: According to the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China', when encountering fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail with visibility less than 50 meters, the maximum speed for motor vehicles should not exceed 30 km/h, while tractors, electric vehicles, and wheeled special machinery vehicles should not exceed 15 km/h. Driving tips on icy roads: When driving on icy surfaces, maintain a straight path and avoid frequent lane changes. When overtaking is necessary, maintain sufficient safety distance from the vehicle being overtaken, and don't immediately return to the original lane after overtaking - wait until you've created enough distance from the following vehicle. If the road surface is inclined or arched, choose flat areas or drive in the middle of the road; if there are ruts, follow them; when the ruts are icy and shallow, drive along the ruts.
Regarding the speed of driving on icy roads, I often recommend keeping it as slow as possible. Generally, the speed should be reduced to around 10 to 15 kilometers per hour because the ice is very slippery, and the car can easily lose control and skid. Just like when I drive in the mountainous areas of the north in winter, I have to operate this way—driving faster won’t help even with sudden braking, as the braking distance can be several times longer. If the road is covered with snow over ice, the speed should be reduced even further, and 5 kilometers per hour is not excessive. In short, safety comes first—slow down in advance and avoid rushing. Driving slower is the key to preventing accidents.
When driving on icy roads, I really think speed shouldn't be too fast. I have personal experience with this - once when taking a turn at 30 km/h on ice, my car suddenly skidded and almost hit a wall. Now I only dare to drive around 10 km/h. Especially in early mornings or evenings when roads are more prone to icing, the lower your speed, the lower the risk. It's best to maintain at least double the usual following distance from other vehicles. Driving slower also saves you from frequent braking, making the drive feel more relaxed. Remember, driving on ice isn't a race - steady and safe is what really matters.
