by Christine G.

Created on: November 12, 2009   Last Updated: December 18, 2009

Before you venture out on an icy road, consider the possibility of entrusting yourself to an experienced professional driver. A bus is less convenient, but it could save you a lot of hassles. If you must take your own car out, be informed, be prepared, and be vigilant.

BE INFORMED. Does your car have front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive? Does it have anti-lock brakes, or do you have to pump them to prevent a skid? Are your tires properly maintained and inflated? Are they intended for all-year conditions, or should you invest in snow tires before winter arrives? Read your owner's manual for tips on dealing with adverse weather conditions. If you are using an unfamiliar vehicle, be doubly cautious and get whatever information you can ahead of time.

Know what to watch for. Bridges, overpasses and tunnels tend to be particularly slippery. Beware of melting ice, especially ice that is covered by a puddle. Shady areas are often covered with black ice, which is virtually invisible. The centrifugal force of curves may cause your car to start sliding sideways. Hills can be a hazard, especially if the car in front of you starts to spin its wheels.  Choose the path that provides the maximum traction. If you know someone who has a lot of experience with winter driving, take him or her out for coffee and ask for tips.

When you are driving under icy conditions, allow three car lengths between vehicles instead of the usual one. Allow extra time to signal your intention to turn, slow down, or change lanes. Move gradually rather than abruptly, and don't depend on your brakes. Even if you have anti-lock brakes and studded tires, they won't protect you from being rear-ended by the car behind you. Be especially cautious of large, heavy vehicles which are harder to stop.

BE PREPARED. If you have winter tires, studs or chains, they won't do you much good unless they have been installed. Carry sand or kitty litter, a shovel, a car brush/scraper, warm clothes, sturdy gloves, and an emergency weather kit. If you have rear-wheel drive, put extra weight over the rear wheels. Ensure that your defroster and windshield wipers are in good working order.

Invest some time in practising on a slippery surface such as an empty parking lot or a skid pan. The technique for controlling a skid is counter-intuitive, especially with rear-wheel drive. Book knowledge is not enough. There is no time to think when a skid happens.  Only repeated experience can ingrain the appropriate response.

BE VIGILANT. On an icy road, kick your defensive driving techiques up to the max. Do everything in slow motion. Allow plenty of room for other cars whose drivers may be less cautious and skilled than you are.

Maintain a constant speed when you are on a slippery surface. Slow down ahead of time, and gently ease your car along, keeping the steering wheel as steady as possible. Once you are on ice, taking your foot off the accelerator can have the same detrimental effect as braking. Turning your steering wheel abruptly may spin you out of control.

Plan to travel when traffic is relatively light. If possible, wait until the sand truck has passed through. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination, and don't try to rush. Better late than never!

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