As temperatures drop, road conditions change. Icy roads are among the most dangerous road conditions people regularly encounter. Every year, the first few snowy and icy days see a multitude of crashes caused by drivers who are out of practice driving in winter weather.
There are some safety tips that can make a major difference for those navigating icy streets. The following are some ways that people can stay safer when the roads are slick with frozen precipitation
Reduce driving speed
The first and most important step for safe driving in icy conditions is to reduce the overall speed of a vehicle. Neither the overall flow of traffic nor the posted speed limit may reflect what is safe. Drivers may need to travel at much slower speeds to avoid losing control. People often need to get up earlier in the morning or plan for longer travel times so that they don’t feel pressured to drive too fast on icy roads.
Avoid passing and merging
Drivers frequently maneuver from one lane to another to get around slower-moving vehicles and other obstacles in traffic. Doing so in icy weather is particularly dangerous. Drivers may slide into oncoming traffic or off the road. Driving in a straight line maximizes traction and helps reduce the risk of drivers getting or sliding.
Increase following distance
Even when drivers slow down and stay in one lane, they could still slide when they attempt to slow down or stop. Therefore, they need to leave more space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them in traffic. Doubling the following distance between vehicles is often a smart decision for those navigating icy streets.
Prioritize vehicle maintenance
Some mechanics and repair shops offer specialized pre-winter checkups to get cars into safe condition for the winter. Replacing worn wiper blades, putting on snow tires, checking the brakes and otherwise ensuring that the vehicle is in good operating condition can be crucial for safety.
Know how to handle a slide
Even those who do everything in their power to be as safe as possible can still lose control when driving on icy surfaces. They need to know how to handle the loss of control when it happens. If the anti-lock brake system (ABS) engages, drivers should continue depressing the brake pedal even though it vibrates under their feet. If they begin spinning or sliding, they should turn the wheel into the slide. Doing so allows them to avoid completely losing control of the vehicle and may result in them stopping without incident.
Having a plan to handle a car crash is also important for those who have to drive when road conditions are icy. Being proactive about safety and knowing what to do if a crash occurs are important for those who drive regularly in the winter months.