Driving on an icy road is never a good idea. If you can avoid it, do!If for some reason you absolutely have to drive on an icy road, follow these steps in order to make sure you’re being as safe as possible!
- Reduce your speed! Everything takes longer when driving on an icy road – speeding up, slowing down, turning, etc. Reduce your speed to allow for extra time.
- Wear your seat belt. It is always important to wear your seatbelt while in a car, but it is even more important to wear it when in unsafe driving conditions.
- Go easy on your breaks. Putting on your breaks in the easiest way to create a sliding affect. By keeping your speed lower, letting off your gas pedal completely should allow you to slow down without having to slam on your breaks.
- Keep a larger distance between you and the car in front of you. Breaking takes much longer, so keep a larger distance between you and the car in front of you to ensure you have enough time to slow down.
- Avoid hills if possible. Going uphill, or downhill in a car on an icy road can be very dangerous. Avoid these roads if possible.
- If sliding, don’t use your breaks and turn into the slide. Turn your wheel in the direction that your back when is sliding and do not slam your breaks. Don’t panic or overreact and just let your vehicle come to a natural stopping point.