Driving on ice

Positive temperatures with precipitation during the day and evening frosts contribute to morning ice. Black asphalt can deceive the driver, because there is a so-called glass on the road.

Car accidents occur four times more often on icy roads than on wet surfaces and twice as often as on snowy roads.

Black ice most often forms when rain or fog falls on the ground with a temperature below zero degrees. Under such conditions, water adheres perfectly to the surface, creating a thin layer of ice. It is invisible on black road surfaces, which is why it is often called icy.

The dormant vigilance of drivers who, after driving in extreme conditions on snow-covered roads, automatically increase their speed at the sight of a black road, can have tragic consequences. When, while driving in a car, it suddenly becomes suspiciously quiet and at the same time it seems that we are “floating” and not driving, this is a sign that we are most likely driving on a perfectly smooth and slippery surface, i.e. on black ice.

The most important rule to remember when driving on icy conditions is to slow down, brake impulsively (in the case of cars without ABS) and not make sudden maneuvers.

When skidding on ice, a car is no longer a car, but a heavy object rushing in an indefinite direction that does not know where to stop. It poses a real threat not only to the driver himself, but also to other road users, including pedestrians, standing, for example, at bus stops or walking along the sidewalk. Therefore, they should also be especially careful during icy conditions.

What to do if the car skids? In the event of a loss of rear wheel traction (oversteer), turn the steering wheel to bring the vehicle into the correct track. Under no circumstances apply the brakes as this will aggravate oversteer.

In the event of understeer, i.e. skidding of the front wheels when turning, immediately take your foot off the gas pedal, reduce the previous turn of the steering wheel and smoothly repeat it. Such maneuvers will restore traction and correct the rut.

The task is easier for drivers whose cars are equipped with ABS. Its role is to prevent the wheels from locking up when braking and thus to prevent skidding. However, even the most advanced system is unable to protect a driver who drives too fast from danger. Therefore, it is important to remember to adjust the speed according to road conditions.   

Source: Renault Driving School.