The risks of driving in adverse conditions caused by ice and snow are very high, so the first question that should be asked in these cases, as explained by the Director of Training of the Foundation of the National Confederation of Driving Schools (FCNAE ), Roberto Ramosis “if it is imperatively necessary to drive or we can avoid it in certain scenarios.”
In the event that we have no alternative, Ramos reminds all drivers that it is necessary to exercise extreme caution while driving due to the appearance of ice on the road and offers essential advice for safe driving in winter. For example, and first of all, drive only the strictly necessary journeys, always after knowing the AEMET weather report and the DGT warnings about the state of nearby roads. If you can, the best option is to avoid driving in case of snow or ice. The pavement will be slippery; Visibility will be reduced and roads may be closed.
Always carry a scraper to clean the entire windshield, not just the driver's side, but also the windows and rear window, to ensure the best possible visibility, before getting behind the wheel. Do not try to defrost the windshield by spraying hot water on it because it will have the opposite effect. Nor do you go out on the road without the chains in the trunk of the vehicle. And, of course, travel with a charger for your mobile device, water, some food, enough warm clothing and a blanket, given the possibility of being temporarily immobilized.
Also fit winter tires, to provide greater grip at temperatures below 7ºC; and reduce the speed considerably, since the lack of tire grip on the road surface can cause you to go off the road on an icy curve at just 20 km/h.
Likewise, when driving on snow or ice it is very difficult to maintain the vehicle's trajectory, even at low speeds (especially on ice). Therefore, the driver will execute the maneuvers progressively and without abruptness. Steering, brakes, accelerator, etc., must be used gently. Even more, increase the safety distance, since on ice, the vehicle may need up to 10 times more space to stop.
In the event of snowfall, it is mandatory to turn on at least the position and low beam lights. Furthermore, if the vehicle has a front fog light, it will be advisable to turn it on as well. In this situation it is prohibited to use the rear fog light, since only in the case of heavy snowfall is it mandatory to turn it on. It will be disconnected when there is a risk of glare, for example, on urban roads with traffic jams.
When driving on snow, first, if it is necessary to put on chains, know how to place them; and then drive through ruts left by another vehicle, when there is enough snow on the road. In case of little snow, drive outside the ruts, but parallel to their route. In addition, drivers must travel at low speed and maintain it (whenever possible), avoiding acceleration and braking as much as possible. If braking is necessary, it is always better to perform gentle decelerations (just lifting your foot off the accelerator). If the braking is stronger, it is better to use the brake gently (which acts on all four wheels) than to abruptly stop the engine (which only brakes two wheels).
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