Tips for Driving on Ice
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Drive slowly
- When correcting a slide on an icy road, remember these points:
- Don’t use your brakes because braking triggers slides or makes existing slides worse
- Turn into the slide, or turn your wheels in the direction the back of the vehicle is moving
(When your car begins to slide on the ice, turn your front wheels in the same direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding. This is also known as “turning into the slide.” For example, if the back of your car slides right, turn the wheel to the right)
- Don’t panic and overcorrect because overcorrecting my send the car into a spin
- Beware of “black ice”
- Black ice forms with no air bubbles, making it transparent against the road’s surface
- Black ice is extremely dangerous because it is difficult to see
- If driving over black ice, take your foot off the pedal and do not step on the brake
Tips for Driving on Sleet
- Plan your route-back roads may be more dangerous than major roadways
- Expect delays and plan accordingly
- Avoid sudden braking
- Bridges freeze before roads because bridges are in contact with air from all sides
- Drive in the tire tracks of other vehicles because there will be more traction in these areas
- Be careful when changing lanes, as the area between lanes can have icy buildups
- If changing lanes is necessary, do so gradually while steering the wheel firmly
- When you first get on the road, test your brakes to gauge how they react to the conditions
- Stay in the right lane, as there is no need to drive quickly in icy or snowy conditions
Walking on Ice
- Move slowly
- Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on ice
- Don’t jump or slide
- Always stop and scan for hazards
- Use special care when entering or exiting vehicles, climbing stairs or entering or leaving buildings as the floor/surface may be wet
- Use handrails when possible
- Be aware of inclines or changes in the walking surface
- Walk on designated walkways and avoid shortcuts
- Take short steps or shuffle for stability
- Keep your hands out of your pockets to help maintain balance
