Skidding on ice can be incredibly dangerous, and is always a possibility if you are driving in icy conditions. It’s best to avoid driving on roads when there might be patches of ice. However, if it’s completely unavoidable, make sure that your car has the proper equipment for cold weather. A skid happens because of a sudden turn on the ice where your tires can’t grip the surface. Suddenly braking can make things much worse. Therefore, don’t slam on the brakes when you begin to slide. Maintain control by steering in the direction of the skid. Hopefully, you won’t encounter any ice on the road, but if you do you’ll know how to handle an ice skid.
Skidding on Ice: How to Avoid It and What to Do If It Happens
Be Weather Aware
Skidding on ice can be very dangerous, so it’s best to just avoid it altogether. Try to stay weather aware, especially when conditions are
extremely cold or extremely hot. For example, look ahead at forecasts and ice predictions. If there is a way to delay your trip until the weather is better, try to do that. Don’t forget to check the weather along your route and at your destination if you are driving a long distance.
Bring Proper Equipment
Another important factor in staying safe when skidding on ice is to equip your car with the correct cold-weather gear. The most important of these are tires. You can buy specialty
snow tires that provide extra tread and grip in icy conditions. Or you could try putting snow chains around your tires.
Slowing Down in a Skid
Skidding on ice is much worse if you try to break in the middle of your slide. Suddenly braking on icing conditions is often what causes cars to fishtail on the road. As you approach a patch of ice, take your foot off the accelerator. If you must brake, put slow and steady pressure on the brakes. Try to do all the braking in the straight of the road before hitting the curve. When conditions are bad, it’s best to leave plenty of room for braking.
Steering in a Skid
Finally, if you are actively skidding on ice, try to stay calm. Don’t jerk the wheel or slam on the brakes. Figure out the direction that your car is sliding in and turn the steering wheel in that direction. For example, if the back of your car is fishtailing and sliding to the left, turn your wheel to the left as well. Pull off to the side of the road and gather yourself after a skid to calm yourself down. Proceed on your way with extreme caution and drive slowly leaving plenty of stopping distance.
Skidding on ice can be terrifying. You feel completely out of control and are unable to stop your car from moving. Therefore, it’s best to avoid it altogether by not driving when conditions are icy or snowy. Stay weather aware and make sure that you have either snow tires or snow chains on you if you plan to drive in icy conditions. Try to slow your car without slamming on the brakes by removing your foot from the accelerator. If you need to brake, try to pick a straight part of the road and do it evenly. When you are actively in a skid, attempt to steer your car in the same direction as it is sliding. Hopefully, you’ll be able to steer yourself safely to the side of the road. Take a moment to calm down and then proceed on your way carefully and slowly.
