First snow on the road

How does the first snowfall affect the traffic situation? Most drivers drive slower. As a result, there are fewer deaths and more breakdowns on the roads. Renault driving school instructors will remind you how to drive in such weather conditions and how to get out of a skid.

Most drivers take their foot off the accelerator pedal, which means they react correctly to such a change in weather. This gives them time to get used to driving on slippery surfaces and remember the skills they recently used many months ago, says Zbigniew Veseli, director of the Renault driving school. “I suggest that all drivers increase the time it takes to get to their destination by 20-30 percent. This will avoid stress and dangerous situations on the road, adds Zbigniew Veseli.  

Braking distances

In winter conditions, the stopping distance can be significantly increased. For this reason, increase the distance to the vehicle in front, and before the intersection, start the process of stopping earlier than usual and gently depress the brake pedal. This behavior will allow you to check the state of icing on the surface, the grip of the wheels and stop the car in the right place. For comparison: at a speed of 80 km / h, the braking distance on dry pavement is 60 meters, on wet asphalt - almost 90 meters, which is 1/3 more. On ice, this road can reach 270 meters!

Inept, excessive braking can cause the vehicle to skid. Then drivers often instinctively press the brake pedal to the floor, which worsens the situation and prevents the car from skidding, Renault driving school instructors warn.

How to get out of a slip

There are two main types of skids for drivers: oversteer, when the car's rear wheels lose traction, and understeer, which occurs during a turn when the front wheels lose traction. In the event that the rear wheels lose traction, it is necessary to turn the steering wheel to steer the vehicle on the correct path. Do not hit the brakes as this will increase oversteer, coaches advise. If the front wheels are spinning, take your foot off the gas pedal, reduce the steering turn you made earlier and smoothly repeat it again. Removing the gas pedal from the gas pedal will add weight to the front wheels and slow down speed, while reducing the steering angle should restore traction and correct the track, Renault driving school coaches explain.