Tips for driving safely on ice

Winter presents a challenge to drivers because of the potentially hazardous conditions on the roads caused by below-freezing temperatures. Two of the primary dangers to watch out for are ice and hail. The best way to ensure your safety while driving is to make a enough preparation.

How to get ready for driving on ice

First, ask yourself if you really need to go there.

On ice roads, tire grip is drastically diminished and braking distances are significantly increased.

Even if you avoid a collision, your car can become stuck, necessitating a possibly far walk home. There's a good chance that it will get worse too. Probably the driver in front of you will become trapped if you don't.

Make sure you take a warm blanket, a bottle of water, a few snacks, and a charged cell phone (along with a charger cable) before you leave home. A set of snow socks, which are high-grip fabric covers put over the car's driving wheels, is also advisable if snowfall is forecast.

On slippery roads, how to drive

When driving on slippery roads, anticipation and smoothness are essential.

Keep your pace very low and check the area in front of you for any potential dangers, such as, of course, any ice patches.

To lessen the chance of a skid, smoothly change gear, steer, brake, and accelerate.

In order to improve grip on packed ice, a higher gear can be preferable.

This makes it simpler to gain traction by controlling the engine power delivery. To keep the car from stalling if it's a manual, you might need to let off the clutch a little.

In many automatics, you can choose second gear to move away in when stopped.

How far can you brake on ice?

In comparison to a dry road, braking distances on ice can increase tenfold.

You should therefore increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you by up to 10 times the usual suggested distance.

Keep in mind that cold weather reduces the effectiveness of tire grip.

You should exercise extra caution even if the temperature is above zero and there is no ice on the roads.

In icy situations, winter tires provide increased traction and can greatly improve performance.

What is black ice?

A thin covering of ice on the road surface is known as black ice.

It appears the same color as the road below since it is smooth and translucent.

Black ice is particularly dangerous since it can be practically invisible to cars.

As a general rule, drive cautiously and be careful if the temperature is low and the road surface appears to be "wet." Black ice may be there.

How to see black ice and drive on it

On the road, black ice can occasionally have a glossy surface.

It may be shining in the sun, or you may notice the cars in front of you swerving for no apparent reason.

Being extra cautious is advised, especially on shaded sections of road, bridges, flyovers, and tunnels - anywhere the surface temperature may be lower, in fact - as it's likely that you won't notice any black ice at all.

Additionally, quieter roads are more likely to be impacted.

Do not become scared if you face some black ice.

Don't apply the brakes; instead, keep the steering wheel straight and drive at a constant speed.

If you need to slow down, use the gears, but stay away from any rapid movements that could throw the car off balance.

How to correct a skid on ice

If a skid does occur, steer slowly into it.

Steer to the right, for instance, if the car's rear is slipping to the right.

Don't forcefully brake or remove your hands from the wheel, as mentioned above.

How to drive in hail

Driving in hailstorms is terribly dangerous. They not only have the potential to seriously destroy your car, but they also pose a risk to anyone who dares to leave their vehicle.

In severe circumstances, hail can also reduce sight and possibly crack the glass of your car. When driving through strong hail, pull over to a safe location, ideally one that is protected.

Plan your route to avoid known affected areas if you must travel.

We also advise telling loved ones and friends where you plan to go in case of an emergency.

When driving during hailstorms, always remember the following advice:

Stay inside the car. Hail comes at high speeds and can be dangerous.

Stop driving and pull over to a safe location if the hail is bad in order to prevent any windows or the windshield from being broken. If possible, stop under an overpass or move to the hard shoulder by leaving the traffic lanes.

Maintain your car's angle so that the hail will strike the front of the vehicle. Windshields are strengthened to withstand moving vehicles and projectiles. Back glass and side windows are far more prone to shattering than front windows.

Avoid ditches since rising water may be present.