Ice driving expert: There’s no shame in driving like a snail! This is how you can handle ice and skidding

2023-11-28 12:54:00

(archive, Czech Television)

November 28, 2023 ● 11:54 am

The Czech Republic has found itself in the grips of an iceberg, and right now the greatest possible driving caution is in order. Can you move safely on a road full of frost and ice? An expert advises how to do it.

The most important thing is to adjust your speed to the road condition, maintain caution, keep a sufficient distance from the vehicles in front of you and drive smoothly. And what to do if the vehicle skids despite compliance with safety rules?

If there is clear ice on the road, the ideal controllable vehicle is up to a maximum speed of 30 km/h. “There’s no shame in feeling like a snail behind the wheel at the moment. I recommend keeping a cool head, you need to concentrate, sit well, hold the steering wheel firmly. Make all movements smoothly, shift gears in time, follow the behavior of the vehicle and read the road in front of you.

It is advisable to maintain a safe distance from vehicles moving ahead, at least twice the two-second rule,” advises Libor Budina, project manager of the VIZE 0 Platform.

In snow, similar principles apply as when driving on ice, with the exception that the limits of vehicle control are shifted to a higher speed. “Chumelenice is not a reason to panic, but once again it is necessary to concentrate and look far ahead, because the braking distance is significantly extended. For example, wet snow, which has a low adhesion coefficient, is the worst. Always look for a better trail when driving on snow. When driving into slush when changing lanes, e.g. on the highway, stepping on the clutch will help to disconnect the engine from the wheels. After stabilizing the vehicle, we can gradually release the clutch when engaging a higher gear,” recommends Libor Budina.

When the rear axle “goes off”.

If a skid occurs while driving, it is necessary to realize that the driven axle of the vehicle does not matter. The rules of the solution depend on its nature, i.e. if it occurs on the front (understeer skid) or rear axle (oversteer skid). “Many drivers mistakenly believe that rear axle skidding is easier to manage. This is not the case, on the contrary, if not managed, it is a more dangerous type of skidding. It is necessary to immediately turn the wheels towards the rear of the vehicle, the so-called contra, and simultaneously depress the clutch. If the car is not under control and there is a risk of a collision, it is necessary to brake with high intensity,” explains Libor Budina.

The most common is the skid of the front axle

In modern vehicles, the most common skid is the front axle, which is easier to manage. It manifests itself as a loss of grip on the front tires, the vehicle facing the front out of the turn. “In the event of a minor skid at low speed, just ease off the gas and wait for the vehicle to gain traction and start driving. If this does not help and there is a risk of a crash, with today’s vehicles equipped with a modern generation ABS system, it is more appropriate to press down on the clutch and brake pedals at the same time. This will reduce the risk of high impact velocity,” advised by Libor Budina.

Dealing with understeer is easier for the driver compared to oversteer, and the consequences of understeer are less dangerous. The car eventually crashes head-on and the crew is better protected by the crumple zones together with the seat belts, headrest and airbag.