How to Drive Safely on Ice

As the weather gets colder the driving conditions get a little more dangerous. In the Buford area, you’ll only see ice a few times a year, so many drivers here don’t know how to safely drive in these conditions. Keep yourself and everyone around you safer with these top tips for driving on ice.

Slow Down

One of the most important tips you can keep in mind when you’re driving in bad conditions is to slow down. You’re less likely to lose control if you’re sticking to a reasonable speed for the conditions. Ice makes your tires lose traction, which is extremely dangerous at high speeds. Give yourself a little extra time before work, so that you’re not rushing. Remember that while you’re a busy person, you’re not going to be getting anywhere on time if you end up in a snowbank or an accident with other vehicles.

Give Room

Remember that everyone else on the road is in the same position you are. They likely don’t drive on icy roads very often, either. Make sure to give other drivers enough room to drive safely. Never tail someone when the roads are icy. Don’t come up on another driver quickly and follow too closely. Make sure you also give other drivers enough time to react when you’re changing lanes, getting off the freeway, or turning. Using your blinkers earlier than you normally would allows those behind you to see, process, and react properly.

Learn to Correct

If you don’t know how to drive on icy roads, you probably don’t understand the proper way to get out of a skid or fishtail. The immediate reaction when you start sliding is to hit your brakes, but this is one of the worst things you can do. Keep your foot off the brake, because it can actually make the sliding worse. Turn your wheels in the direction that the back of the vehicle is sliding. When you turn into the slide, you’re helping the car correct the movement. However, you have to be careful to not overcorrect. If you move the car too far, too quickly, you’re more likely to send it into an uncontrollable spin.

Be Prepared

There are a number of ways that you can prepare ahead of time for icy roads. Make sure that your cell phone has a full charge. If you know that the roads are bad and you have a phone with a removable battery, it’s smart to bring along a fully charged spare. Have blankets in your car in case of an accident, to help keep you warm. Other items to keep in the car for icy days include non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, hand warmers, and gloves.

Knowing how to deal with bad road conditions is important. When you don’t have to drive on icy roads often it’s easy to forget the best practices. Make sure to give yourself a refresher before the ice sets in. Stay alert and keep an eye on other drivers to help keep yourself safe.