HOW TO HANDLE ICY CONDITIONS

It looks pretty, but ice on the road can be lethal

If you’re driving and encounter icy road conditions, do you know how to handle them? Are you equipped to assist others?

Even the slightest bit of ice can make for treacherous driving conditions. Here are some tips to help keep you as safe as possible on the roads this winter.

How to prepare for driving in winter

Think about whether your journey is necessary and check forecasts, particularly in areas where temperatures can drop below zero. Tyre grip is hugely reduced on icy roads, so braking/stopping distances are much greater.

If travelling is essential, plan your route to avoid known affected areas. We recommend informing relatives and friends of your intended route in case of an emergency. Always follow road rules and adapt your speed to suit the conditions.

If snowfall looks likely or this journey will be carried out often, a set of snow socks (high-grip fabric covers fitted over the car’s driving wheels) or chains are worth carrying.

In case of snow, there’s also the potential of getting stuck, which could result in a cold wait or a chilly walk home. If you don’t get stuck, the next driver might, so before you leave home pack a charged mobile phone (with cable), bottle of water, warm clothes, snacks and a blanket. Make sure the car’s windows and mirrors are completely clear before you set off, and in cars with selectable drive modes, choose the best option for winter conditions.

How to drive on icy roads

Anticipation and smoothness is key for driving on icy roads. Look well ahead for potential hazards, changes in road surface appearance and behaviour of other vehicles; react early and keep to a lower speed. Accelerate, brake, steer and change gear as smoothly as possible to reduce the risk of the vehicle slipping out of control.

When setting off or driving uphill, try to use a higher gear to maintain traction. Some automatics will let you select second gear at a standstill to pull away in. Once you’re travelling at a safe speed, try to use a lower gear to keep control. In automatics, use one or two to achieve maximum engine braking downhill.

Never drive at a speed that does not allow you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear, taking into account the amount of grip your tyres have on the road.

What’s the stopping distance on ice?

Braking distances can increase tenfold on ice compared with a dry road. For this reason, you should leave up to 10 times the normal recommended distance between your vehicle and the one in front.

Remember that tyres grip less efficiently in cold conditions. So even if the temperature is above zero and there’s no ice on the road, you should take extra care.

What is black ice?

Black ice is a thin layer of ice on the road surface. Because it is smooth and transparent, it appears the same colour as the road. Black ice can be almost invisible to drivers, which makes it especially dangerous. As a guide, if the temperature is low and the road surface looks “wet”, be careful and allow plenty of space between you and the car in front.

In the majority of cases, it’s likely you won’t see black ice at all. Be particularly cautious on shaded stretches of road, bridges, flyovers and tunnels — anywhere the surface temperature may be lower. Quiet roads are more likely to be affected.

How to correct a skid on ice

Continue to look and steer in the direction you want to go. Take your foot off the accelerator and avoid slamming on the brakes — although this might be a natural response, it will only upset the vehicle balance and make it harder to regain control.

Use the gears to slow down if necessary, but avoid any sudden movements that could destabilise your car.

For extra peace of mind

It pays to have roadside and breakdown assistance, particularly when planning a road trip.

To find out how AA Road Service and breakdown assistance will help keep you safe on the roads, visit aa.co.nz/roadservice.

AA Membership applied to you, not the vehicle, meaning you’re covered whether you’re the driver or the passenger no matter what car you’re in.