In the coldest part of the year, overnight temperatures can leave roads slick and icy, even in mild climates. A few driving habits help prevent a crash on ice.
What Are the Rules for Driving on Ice?
Slow down, stay smooth, and respect your stopping distance.
- Slow down and keep your speed much lower than normal, since it is often hard to tell whether a road is just wet or icy
- Make gradual movements and avoid speeding up or slowing down dramatically
- Be extra vigilant on bridges, overpasses, and ramps, which freeze first and thaw last because there is no insulating ground beneath them
- Never use cruise control in icy conditions, since it can make wheels spin at different speeds and cause a loss of steering control
- Do not be overconfident with four-wheel or all-wheel drive, since they do not stop or steer better on ice, and even snow tires may not give full traction
- Give yourself plenty of time and plenty of stopping distance
How Do You Drive Downhill on Slick Roads?
If you have anti-lock brakes, start at the top of the hill as slowly as possible in normal drive gear and use light, steady pressure on the brake pedal so the braking system can maintain traction. If you do not have ABS, start slowly and keep it slow by lightly pumping the brakes.
