Why is it dangerous to overtake on slushy roads during heavy snow?
2 Answers
Overtaking on slushy roads during heavy snow is highly dangerous. The reasons are as follows: 1. Reduced traction due to slippery road surfaces: Vehicles are prone to skidding or spinning out, potentially causing collisions or safety incidents. 2. Complex road conditions: Sunlight reflection makes it difficult for drivers to anticipate and control the vehicle, increasing safety risks. In flat areas, drainage ditches on both sides of the road may be completely covered by snow, making them indistinguishable. Blind overtaking could lead to sliding into or overturning in these ditches with severe consequences. 3. Even after driving for an extended period, drivers may only have limited adaptation to the road conditions. Key precautions when overtaking: 1. Avoid forced overtaking: Do not attempt to overtake when the vehicle ahead hasn't yielded speed or space for any reason; 2. Never force your way in: When there's insufficient safe distance ahead of the vehicle in front, do not squeeze in or force the overtaken vehicle to yield.
I've been driving for over a decade, and I distinctly remember this one snowy day when I almost got into an accident while overtaking. The road was covered in slush, slippery as hell. I was in a hurry to pass, so I accelerated, but the car immediately went into a skid and fishtailed. I couldn't even keep the steering wheel steady. The snow was coming down hard, visibility was terrible, and I couldn't see if there were any cars coming from the opposite direction. The tires had no grip in the slush, and the brakes felt like they weren't working. Overtaking in those conditions was like playing with your life. The slush kicked up by the wheels would splatter onto the windshield, and suddenly you couldn't see a thing. If a car had come from the opposite direction, there would've been no time to react. My advice to everyone is to take it easy in that kind of weather—just follow the car in front at a steady pace if you can. Better safe than sorry.
