Reach your destination safely by car in ice and snow
Reach your destination safely by car in ice and snow
In winter, the drivers must be prepared for special traffic situations. The weather conditions require increased attention and regularly lead to dangerous situations on the street. Low ice is a particularly dangerous risk of accidents. Drivers should know that about black ice.
How does black ice be created?
When water or snow freezes on streets, black ice is formed. Whether snow, frost, ice or rough ice cream - winter ice increases the risk of accidents in road traffic. By the way: frozen snow, frost and mud can also lead to slippery roads.
A common problem in winter is slippery ice that occurs when the moisture is frozen. Puddles that freeze overnight, or snow that melts from the sun and freezes again overnight can cause bad surprises on the streets in the morning.
The danger on bridges is particularly large. Why this? When the temperature drops below the dew point of the street, the so -called ice cream frost appears: moisture and fog freeze. In general, icy frost is preferred when the wind has a large contact area on the street. Bridges are therefore particularly susceptible.
also the so-called freezer, also called lightning ice, is dangerous. Fresh precipitation freezes when he hits the street, which can lead to mirror -smooth road sections within seconds. Since ice rain is difficult to predict, the risk for the drivers is particularly high.
How do I behave with black ice?
winter tires are a basic requirement for safety when driving in winter. But when it comes to black ice, you shouldn't just rely on winter tires because they reach their limits. In this case, driving skills are the only thing the vehicle can protect from the outbreak. It is therefore essential.
Defensive driving behavior on black ice
As so often, it is better to be on the safe side. If the road is icy, a brake path must be expected three times longer.
Therefore the speed should be adapted to the difficult weather conditions. A defensive driving style is characterized by the fact that you take your foot out of the gas more often instead of stepping on the brakes.
In addition, there should be a minimum distance of about six vehicle lengths to the vehicle in advance. As a result, you have enough response time to avoid a possible accident.
Start properly on black ice and snow
Safe driving begins in winter when you start driving. Most drivers are not familiar with snow -covered and slippery roads. If you accelerate too much, there is a risk that the wheels will crack through. A controlled steering is then not possible. To avoid this, you should let the clutch slip a little when starting. If the tires also go crazy with a little gasoline, you can try to start in second gear. While driving: switching early and holding the engine at a low speed.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, no kickdown, i.e. no strong pressing of the accelerator pedal, must be carried out.
Brake on black ice and snow
What many drivers forget: the braking path is considerably longer on slippery roads. In the event of adverse road conditions, the drivers should bring the car to an appropriate speed and keep more distance than usual to the vehicles in front. This minimizes the risk of an emergency stop.
only in the event that you know how to do it right: take your foot from the accelerator pedal, loosen the clutch and the brakes. If it is slippery, it is important to carry out the so -called "stutter brake". Simply brake several times instead of pressing the foot firmly onto the brake.
For vehicles with automatic transmission applies: Carefully step on the brakes and keep the steering wheel under control. If you are already skidding, put it on neutral and carefully steer it against.
The wheels rotate when starting, but block when braking: cars sometimes slide more on slippery roads than they drive. Drivers currently have to adjust their driving style accordingly. And so:
Brakes with ABS
The ABS (anti-blocking system) has been installed in all new cars for many years. ABS relieves the driver from the "stutter brake" and automatically activates it when emergency braking. This means that the full steering capacity is preserved. But even with ABS you should decouple at the same time to avoid additional thrust.
Avoid sudden steering movements
black ice reduces the vehicle's grip on the floor. As a result, the driver quickly loses control of the car - and thus the feeling for the current tire position.
If the tire profile then reaches unexpectedly again, serious steering errors occur. Hold the steering wheel when braking and only easily steer it against.
prepare for black ice: driving safety training
In order to be optimally prepared for black ice on road traffic, we also recommend a special driving safety training for winter road conditions. In training courses such as those offered by the ADAC, braking on black ice has long been part of the program. The correct alignment, for example when the car skiddes, or the correct seating and steering wheel posture are also practiced.