What should be noted when driving a motor vehicle on ice and snow-covered roads?
3 Answers
When driving a motor vehicle on ice and snow-covered roads, pay attention to the extended braking distance. Reasons for extended braking distance: When driving on icy or snowy roads, the vehicle's braking performance deteriorates, making it prone to skidding or veering off course. Due to the slippery road surface, the friction and adhesion of car tires are significantly reduced, causing the driving wheels to easily spin or lose traction. This is particularly evident when going uphill, starting, or stopping, where the vehicle may roll backward. Sudden acceleration or deceleration while driving can easily lead to skidding or loss of directional control. In emergency braking situations, the braking distance will be considerably extended. Precautions for driving on ice and snow-covered roads: Maintain full concentration, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, 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. In case of unexpected situations, reduce speed in advance and avoid sudden steering or hard braking.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and snowy/icy roads are the most accident-prone situations that require extreme caution. The key is to slow down - reduce your speed to about half of normal, don't rush to save time. Brake gently without sudden stomps; use intermittent braking or rely on ABS for stability. Increase following distance - while 2 seconds is fine in clear weather, allow 5-6 seconds in snow. Use winter tires or install snow chains, maintaining recommended tire pressure for better traction. Make smooth steering inputs, avoid sharp turns to prevent skidding. Before departure, check brakes and lights to ensure proper function. Monitor weather changes; check road condition reports and avoid steep, slippery areas. Keep an emergency kit in the car with items like a shovel, thermal blanket, and phone charger. Stay calm, remain aware of other drivers' movements - these habits make winter driving safer.
As an ordinary office worker commuting daily on icy roads, I follow these precautions: reduce speed and maintain it below 50 km/h. Brake cautiously—apply gently and release slowly to avoid sudden stops or skidding. Increase following distance from the usual 30 meters to 60 meters. Check tire pressure regularly; using snow chains or winter tires is ideal. Steer smoothly without sharp turns to prevent slipping. Keep emergency items in the car like a snow brush and phone navigation. Turn on headlights for better visibility. When road conditions are poor, plan flatter routes. Safety first—don’t rush; leaving ten minutes earlier can prevent accidents.
