What do I do?
Seven Things You Can Do to Drive Safely On Ice

Did you know that vehicles are 13 times more likely to end up in a wreck when road conditions are icy or snowy as compared to driving in clear weather.1 To avoid becoming part of this statistic, you should make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared before you leave home during the winter months. We suggest that you take into account the following tips for driving during the winter months.

1) Make sure your tires are in good condition. Your tires should have traction sufficient to move the vehicle over wet pavement or snow. During wintertime, the depth of the treads on your tires should be sufficiently deep to provide this traction. You should have at least .3 cm (the width of a nickel) of tread left when driving on ice or snow. If your tires are worn down more than this level, avoid driving or have your tires replaced. If you have no other option, drive much slower than usual and break softly and gradually.

2) Assure that your vehicle’s windows are free of ice and snow, and that the heater is working properly. Before you leave to go out, remove any ice or snow from the windshield, windows, mirrors and lights. Use an ice scraper, a snowbrush and/or windshield defroster as is needed to assure visibility. You should also clean off the hood of your vehicle so that loose snow and ice will not blow onto your windshield and compromise your sight of the road. Many accidents occur each winter because drivers do not see other vehicles during snow or icy conditions. Make sure that your vehicle’s heating system works adequately and that you know how to use it properly. Also be sure to have a sufficient level of antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid to get you through the winter.

3) Drive carefully and avoid being in a hurry. On slick, snowy or icy surfaces you should drive slowly and carefully. Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze first. If the ground is very slick, you should not drive at all. Pull over at the first safe place (e.g., a gas station or restaurant). We also suggest the following:

Adjust Turning to Winter Conditions. Make turns as gently as possible. Take curves at slower speeds and don't brake while in curves. Be especially careful not to brake as you turn in icy conditions.

Adjust Speed to Winter Conditions. Go slowly and watch far enough ahead to keep a steady speed. Don't pass slower vehicles unless necessary. Avoid having to slow down and speed up. Be aware that as the temperature rises to the point where ice begins to melt, the road becomes even more slippery. At these times you should slow down even more.

Adjust Space to Winter Conditions. Keep a longer following distance—at least three times more space than usual. Don't drive alongside other vehicles. When you see a traffic jam ahead, slow down or stop and wait for it to clear. Try hard to anticipate stops early and slow down gradually.

4) Brake effectively in winter conditions. If your vehicle is not equipped with an ABS, or antilock braking system, do the following to brake effectively: Press the brake softly with both hands firmly on the steering wheel. If you notice that the vehicle is sliding, pump the brake (step on and off the brake rapidly) rather than pressing hard on the brake. This is similar to what ABS brakes do: they brake and release automatically to avoid sliding. With ABS brakes you may feel the brake bumping against your foot if you begin to slip. Let the ABS system do its job by continuing to apply pressure to the brake. If you intend to practice these suggestions, do so slowly and in a parking lot without other cars or pedestrians.

5) How to gain control of an out of control vehicle. If the vehicle begins to slide, the most important thing you can do is not panic. Avoid jerky movements or hard braking as they can make the situation worse. Gently turn the steering wheel in the direction that the vehicle is slipping. If the vehicle is slipping to the right, then you should turn the steering wheel to the right.

6) What to do if you get stuck in the snow. If the snow is deep (more than 25 cm), trying to just drive out of the snow might make the situation worse. Instead, place materials that you might have at hand underneath the tires to get traction. Some of the things that could help you get out of the snow include the floor mats from the vehicle, sand, salt, rocks, tree branches and so on. Next clear a small pathway in front of the vehicle. Try to drive out by tapping the accelerator slowly and turning the steering wheel back and forth as you ease out of the snow. If you have an adult with you, this person might be able to help by pushing the vehicle. But be very careful -- this person is in danger of being run over or hit by materials used for traction.
If these methods do not work, call someone to help you or look for help from another vehicle. Stay in your vehicle and keep warm while you wait. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow, ice or anything that might block it, so you will not be poisoned by carbon monoxide.

7) Be prepared with necessary winter tools and materials in your vehicle. During the winter season you may consider bringing with you some the following items:
• windshield ice scraper
• heavy coat or blanket
• flashlight
• cell phone
• jumper cables
• small shovel for snow
• water for drinking, and nonperishable snacks (i.e., granola bars)

Reference:
1Knapp, K.K., Kroeger, D., & Giese, K. (2002). Mobility and Safety Impacts of Winter Storm Events in a Freeway Environment. Center for Transportation Research and Education, Iowa State University. www.ctre.iastate.edu/reports/winstorm.pdf

Prepared by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, NC State University
Dr. Andrew Behnke, Assistant Professor,
4-H Youth Development and Family, and Consumer Sciences, and Cooperative Extension Specialist
1/2010