7 safety tips for icy roads

by Mike K. Post your article at Aleshatech.com

Icy roads are a driver’s worst enemy, so here’s how to tackle them safely

Every day, five people die on UK roads and around sixty are seriously injured. When cold weather hits and the road surface becomes icy, UK roads become even more perilous.

Icy roads are infamously associated with a loss of vehicle control, meaning motorists need to be extra careful. Although there’s nothing you can do to change the weather, there are certain precautions you can take to give yourself a safer experience when driving on icy roads. Here are some top tips from www.bullbarrier.com.

Wear your seatbelt

Wearing your seatbelt should be a golden rule every time you take to the road, no matter what the weather is like. However, when the road surface is icy and slippery it becomes even more crucial to fasten your seatbelt before you set off. An increasing number of road ice fatalities occur as a result of minor accidents in which vehicle occupants were not wearing their seatbelt.

Slow down

You might consider yourself to be an extremely competent driver, but sometimes overconfidence in your abilities can be a factor in serious or even fatal road incidents. Even if you feel like you have plenty of experience driving on winter roads, you still need to take icy surfaces into account and adjust your speed accordingly. In general, a safe speed is below 45mph, even on a motorway.

Watch the weather

Checking the weather forecast on your television or phone should become part of your daily routine during winter. Being aware of the conditions you’re likely to face when you hit the road will give you the chance to prepare. Be sure to check for factor like rain, sudden drops in temperatures or sleet which will all make imminent icy conditions more likely.

Be gentle on your brake

Antilock brakes (ABS) have helped to improve the braking on modern cars significantly. Yet on icy roads there is still a very high likelihood that you can lock your wheels if you apply too much swift pressure to your brakes. This can result in a frightening loss of vehicle control. Giving yourself plenty of time to brake is the best way to avoid having to do emergency stops, as ice will slow your vehicles reactions anyway when it comes to braking. As soon as you start approaching that red light, start applying the brakes.

Don’t stop for accidents

If you see a car parked by the side of the motorway which has clearly broken down or been involved in an incident on the road, your gut reaction might be to stop and make sure they’re ok. However, on icy roads this can do more harm than good, as trying to slow down and navigate on the motorway when the roads are slippery can cause passing drivers to brake and lose control. The best thing you can do is call the authorities at your next opportunity.

Avoid hills

If you can, trying to avoid any steep inclines or declines on your journey. If you attempt to tackle a steep hill when the roads are icy, you might find that your vehicle doesn’t have a firm enough grip to counteract the laws of gravity.

If you can, avoid icy roads altogether

The simplest and most effective way to stay safe when the roads are icy is to avoid driving altogether. If it’s possible, opt for public transport like a train instead so that you’re removing the risk of a road accident entirely. Even if the journey takes a little longer, it’s important to stay safe and avoid the roads wherever you can.