Driving in winters amidst the ice and snow is not easy. It can be dangerous and frightening for drivers and passengers. According to the Foundation for Traffic Safety, bad weather, winter storms, and sloppy road conditions contribute to half a million car crashes and over 2000 road deaths. Here’s a guide on how to drive safely on snow and ice.

Drive Slowly and Smoothly
The biggest safety tip for driving safely in winters is keeping it slow and smooth, especially with the accelerator, steering wheel, and the brakes. When the movements are jerky, they tend to unstick tires. As a result, they have a weak grip on the already slippery roads. So, whenever you are taking a turn, press onto the brakes, followed by gradual, gentle, and deliberate movement of the car’s throttle.

Look Farther Down the Road
As the road gets slipperier, you should try and look as far as you can down the path. Accordingly, you should think, anticipate, and reflect on your next move. Always slow down the car much ahead of the turns. Also, keep your stopping distance double, when roads are wet, three times when they are snowy, and increase it more when there is ice. Drive carefully and keep your focus on the road.

Keep an Eye Out for Flashing Lights
Now, the answer to the big question of how to drive safely on snow and ice depends a lot on the kind of traction available on the snowy roads. To understand this without landing into trouble, you need to know what a particular amber-yellow flashing light stands for in the instrument panel. In case when you accelerate the car in one straight path, and you see the light blinking, it is a warning signal for you, which could be translated as the wheels of the car slipping. Pay due attention to it, and relax with the accelerator. It would give tires enough time to retrieve their grip.   

Simultaneously, while taking a turn, if you see an amber light blinking, it also translates to a warning alert that your car is starting to derail from the intended path. Again, you’ll have to slow down with the accelerator till there’s zero throttle application. It would give the car enough time to recoup the grip. Also, do not ever aggressively accelerate when turning a corner in the snowy or icy street. Be steady with the accelerator to prevent anything untoward.

Focus on Where You Want to Go
Whenever you feel that the car is starting to skid, look wherever you intend to go and not where your vehicle is currently moving. Your peripheral sight will cater to anything that you wish to avoid. It is the prime technique used by racing drivers who are so efficient at recovery from skidding cars.