How To Drive Safely On Icy Roads
Icy roads are hazardous and can be a challenge to navigate safely. If you have to venture out in icy weather, follow these tips so you make it to your destination safely.
Pre-trip Check
Before you even leave, check the following:
- Battery
- Fluids (Oil, windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, etc.)
- Tires
- Wipers
- De-froster
If possible, park in a garage or a covered area. If not, pull your wipers away from the windshield to prevent them from freezing. If your car is already iced over, DO NOT pour hot water on the glass, as this will cause it to crack. Don’t use windshield wipers to clear ice. Use the heater to defrost them.
Also, know where you are going and check for conditions on your route.
While Driving
Follow these tips from AAA while driving in Icy weather:
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for retraining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
- Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on ice-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping and turning — nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
- Typically on dry pavement the distance between cars should be about two to three seconds. On perilous roads, this should be increased to eight to 10 seconds. The increased margin of safety in front will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
- The best way to stop is a technique called threshold braking: Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
- Try to avoid stopping in full. It takes a lot of inertia to start moving from a full stop versus to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until the light changes, do it.
- Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road from a dead stop. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
Above all, if you are not comfortable being on the road, STAY AT HOME. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Below is an helpful link from the Counterman Education Center on winter weather driving.