Worried about driving on ice this winter? You're not alone — and you have good reason to be worried. Driving on ice can be scary, but it’s definitely doable. When the temperatures drop and the forecast calls for cold weather, keep these tips in mind before you venture out onto the road.
Why Is Driving on Ice So Dangerous?
Icy roads cause over 1,800 deaths and over 136,000 injuries each year. Snow can be slippery, but its crumbly texture at least gives your tires a chance at gripping onto something for traction. Ice, on the other hand, is so slick that your tire treads have nothing to hold on to, and that near-zero friction makes it impossible to stop — at least until you get to a dry patch of pavement again.
When your tires have nothing to hold on to, the vehicle's momentum will keep you moving until you come to a halt gradually or until you crash into something. While you're sliding, it's also nearly impossible to steer, making a bad situation even harder to handle.
3 Best Ways to Stay Safe on Ice
1. Remember That You Can’t Always See Ice
The most dangerous road ice is called black ice, which is invisible to the naked eye. Black ice typically forms at night or very early in the morning when temperatures are at their lowest, so be wary when traveling during those times.
Black ice most often appears in shaded areas where the sun can’t melt it or on overpasses and bridges, where cold air on all sides freezes the driving surface more efficiently. Use extra caution in these areas by keeping speeds down and maintaining a good following distance.
2. Don’t Slam on the Brakes
When you’re being cautious on a slippery road, you may be tempted to put on the brake pedal. Unfortunately, braking can send your car into a skid. Instead, try shifting into a low gear to help you slow down — especially if you're going downhill.
If you find yourself on a patch of ice, ease off of the accelerator instead of braking. Try to keep your car going in the same direction as it moves over the patch of ice instead of trying to steer. These actions will keep your car from skidding until you can get to a safe spot to pull off the road.
3. Steer Into the Skid
You may have heard that you’re supposed to steer into the skid or turn into the slide if you start drifting on a patch of ice. This means that you should turn your steering wheel in the direction that your back wheels are moving. So if your rear wheel is sliding to the right, you should turn your steering wheel to the right.
Just be careful not to overcorrect for your car sliding, which can make the situation worse. Make gentle adjustments, and try to feel for your tires gripping the road again. Once the car straightens out, you can stop steering into the slide.
Don't Let Winter Driving Scare You
When it comes to driving in snow or ice, you may feel nervous at first, and that’s okay. Winter driving is challenging, and you should take the time to make sure your vehicle is in good shape for the season. If you're a young driver — or have recently moved to a colder location — you can also gain confidence by taking a driver's education course designed to help you brush up on your skills. Check out Aceable's online driving courses to find the perfect option for you.
Updated 01/04/2021