What should drivers pay attention to in winter? Not just for snow
In winter, snow-covered roads are not the only obstacle for drivers. Equally dangerous can be the volatility of the prevailing conditions. Slush, freezing rain or thaws that expose holes in the asphalt are all potential threats.
Many drivers are especially afraid of driving in the winter season. However, they are most concerned about snowfall and icing of surfaces. Meanwhile, caution should be exercised even when the snow has melted and the temperature is around zero.
Slush
Mud from melting snow on the road greatly increases the risk of skidding. The impact of this phenomenon on driving safety should not be underestimated and the speed should be adjusted according to the prevailing conditions.
In addition, when there is dirt on the road, the windows and headlights of cars get dirty very quickly, which negatively affects visibility. Therefore, it is very important to regularly check the washer fluid level and the effectiveness of the windshield wipers, as well as clean the headlights.
Black ice
Rain or snowfall at temperatures near the freezing point can lead to the formation of so-called black ice, that is, an almost invisible thin layer of frozen water covering the road surface. A road covered with black ice gives the impression of being wet and slightly luminous. You should also be especially careful when you notice ice on the side of the road or fences along the road.
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Remember that even when the temperature in the sun is positive, there may still be sleet on shaded sections of the road. Getting out of a skid is not an easy task even for an experienced driver, so it is best to avoid this danger and slow down in advance, says Adam Bernard, director of training at the Renault Driving School.
Beware of holes!
When a thaw occurs after a period of low temperatures, the melting of snow reveals losses in the road surface. Driving into a pit can damage wheels, suspension, and steering. For this reason, if we notice such an obstacle early enough, it is best to avoid it - until it requires a sudden maneuver. If we have no way of avoiding a pothole, we should slow down as much as possible, but immediately before entering it, take our foot off the brake for optimal shock absorber performance.
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