What is the safe driving distance on highways during snowy conditions?
2 Answers
Snowy roads are slippery, and the braking distance is longer than on dry asphalt roads; visibility is low in snowy conditions, so the safe distance should be controlled according to visibility. Visibility below 200 meters: the speed should not exceed 60 km/h, and a minimum distance of 150 meters should be maintained from the vehicle ahead in the same lane to ensure safety. Visibility below 50 meters: the maximum speed should be 20 km/h, and you should exit the highway at the nearest exit. Longer safe distance: In adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog, where visibility is low, the road is slippery, and vehicle load affects performance, the safe distance should be longer than on dry asphalt roads. The safe distance on snowy or icy roads is three times that on dry roads. Due to slippery roads in snowy conditions, stay updated on road conditions and minimize driving if possible. When driving on icy or snowy roads, stay focused, maintain a safe distance, drive at a low and steady speed, and avoid unnecessary lane changes or overtaking. When braking, use intermittent braking or downshift to reduce speed. When turning, slow down and increase the turning radius. Anticipate situations and reduce speed in advance, avoiding sharp turns or sudden braking. Snow-covered or icy roads have low friction coefficients, reducing braking efficiency and increasing the risk of skidding. When driving through sharp curves or slippery roads prone to skidding, strictly control your speed. If the vehicle skids, do not sharply turn the steering wheel or apply emergency brakes. Maintain a low and steady speed while driving in snowy conditions, avoiding unnecessary lane changes or overtaking. When starting on icy or snowy roads, gently accelerate and slowly release the clutch. During driving, maintain a safe speed and distance, and follow existing tire tracks when possible. Avoid driving on snow-covered or unknown road sections.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered heavy snow multiple times on highways, where paying extra attention to safe following distance is crucial. On clear days, I use the 2-second rule: pick a roadside marker and wait until 2 seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it before I follow. But when it snows, this distance should be at least doubled to 4 seconds, preferably longer. Why? Snow makes roads slippery, braking distances increase, and tire traction isn't as good as usual. If the car ahead suddenly brakes hard, without enough buffer space, a rear-end collision could happen. I remember during one blizzard with poor visibility when a truck in front abruptly stopped—fortunately, I'd maintained a 4-5 second gap and managed to stop safely. Besides following distance, I recommend reducing speed below the limit, turning on headlights to increase visibility, using quality winter tires, and ensuring brakes are responsive. Clear snow from windows promptly to maintain visibility. Ultimately, leaving extra space is a fundamental life-saving technique.
