Ice, unlike snow, is not always easy to see. The signs are an eerie silence. and light steering. If this happens, allow ten times longer to stop.
Winter emergencies
Snow can be deceptive. Often your tyres will have more grip on newly fallen snow than on slushy snow. Whatever kind of snow you are driving on you must remember you can prevent a lot of frustration (and stay alive) by anticipating winter problems and having the equipment to deal with them. Full preparation may leave you feeling that you are driving around with a boot full of ‘junk’ but it will be well worth it if disaster strikes. The car is more likely to go sideways than is gently testing your brakes from time-to-time will give you a feel for the surface conditions and available grip.
It is often said that slowing through the gears is better in poor conditions, however, engine braking can momentarily lock the wheels in the same way that normal braking can. I would recommend normal slowing techniques but with feather light use of the controls. Anti-lock brakes offer an advantage, but do not increase the available grip – they won’t always prevent skidding on ice!
Keep some spare clothing in the car. A warm dry coat, sleeping bag or blankets can be life savers. Heavy boots can slip off the pedals with disastrous results. A spare pair of shoes can keep your ‘no claims bonus’ intact. Signs and markings will be hidden in snow. You may know the roads and be aware of who has priority, but does the other driver? Jump leads (read the instructions carefully), snow chains, sacking (to put under the wheels, a shovel, a torch, a tow-rope, de-icer, a brush (to clear snow off a standing vehicle), a reflective triangle. Something to eat and drink (not alcohol, this makes you lose body heat more quickly). If you are on medication, take your tablets, medicine, etc., with you. All of these things are useful, especially if you are making out-of-town journeys. I remember reading of a case where a motorist was rescued from a drift after firing a marine rescue flare into the air. Carry anything that you think might help you in an emergency.
If you have to turn your car around for any reason, keep the driving wheels on the firmest surface. Be aware of the differences between front and rear wheel drive in this respect – know your car.
If you get stuck in a drift (out of town) stay in your car. Many people have died trying to reach a farmhouse or hotel. Keep the engine running for warmth but make sure that the exhaust fumes can escape freely (clear the snow from the exhaust pipe) and that they don’t leak into the car. It’s well worth while keeping your fuel tank topped up in winter to cover this eventuality.
Other drivers may not know as much as you think you know about winter driving techniques. Give them lots of space!
ICE
Finally, when making long journeys in poor weather conditions take a break more often than you normally would. The extra concentration needed will make you tired more quickly. Not only do you want to arrive alive, you also want to arrive in a fit mental state for business or pleasure …
Allow more time for your journey. You will need time to clean snow and ice off the car (remember, as well as being extremely dangerous, it is an offence to drive with a frosted up windscreen). You are more likely to meet traffic hold-ups in poor weather. Allowing extra time will remove the need (or perceived need) to rush.
Start long journeys with a check on the weather conditions and forecasts. In high, or exposed areas (such as crossing mountains or wide plains) roads can become impassable very, very quickly.