When driving under icy or snowy conditions, which driving technique will help drivers avoid crashes?
Answers
Add extra weight to their vehicles to improve traction.
Get off the highways as quickly as possible.
Engage the four-wheel drive on their vehicles.
Reduce their speed and increase their following distance.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Reduce their speed and increase their following distance.
Explanation:
Driving under icy or snowy conditions requires caution and adaptation of driving techniques to prevent crashes. The correct approach is to reduce speed and increase the following distance between your vehicle and others on the road. Here’s why:
- Reduced Traction:
Ice and snow significantly decrease tire traction, making it harder for vehicles to start, stop, or turn safely. Lowering your speed gives your tires more time to maintain grip on the slippery surface, reducing the likelihood of skidding or losing control. - Longer Stopping Distances:
On icy roads, stopping distances can increase up to ten times compared to dry conditions. By maintaining a greater following distance (at least 6-8 seconds behind the car ahead), you allow yourself more time to react and stop safely if needed. - Controlled Maneuvering:
Sudden movements, such as sharp turns or quick accelerations, are more dangerous in icy conditions. Driving at a slower speed ensures smoother and more controlled maneuvers, reducing the risk of sliding or spinning out. - Adaptability:
Reduced speed allows you to better anticipate road hazards such as black ice, snowdrifts, or other drivers who may lose control. It also provides more time to adjust your course safely if obstacles arise.
Why Other Options Are Less Effective:
- Adding extra weight: While helpful in some vehicles (e.g., rear-wheel drives), it is not a universally effective solution and doesn’t substitute for cautious driving.
- Exiting highways quickly: This may lead to sudden, risky maneuvers, increasing crash risks.
- Engaging four-wheel drive: While it improves traction, it doesn’t help with stopping or turning on ice and may give a false sense of security.
Ultimately, reducing speed and increasing following distance are universally effective in improving safety for all vehicles in icy or snowy conditions.