CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN. (WLAF)- With winter weather here, driving in slick conditions can be difficult.

Stay Home

Only go out if necessary. Driving in winter weather can be dangerous. Stay home if possible.

Remove Snow and Ice From Vehicle Before Driving

Set the car to defrost, the fan speed to maximum, and the temperature to high. Use a brush to remove snow from the vehicle’s roof, hood, trunk lid, and all windows before driving. Use a scraper to remove ice on the car windows and mirrors but never use hot water on a windshield. This can cause it to crack.

Drive With Intention

Once on the road drive in a safe smooth manner. Driving on slick conditions needs to be deliberate and gradual. 

Skids

Skids can be managed. Don’t panic and don’t hit the brakes. Instead try these maneuvers:

For a front-wheel skid in which the front tires lose grip and the car turns in a wider arc than expected, ease off the gas. Soon, the front tires should regain traction. Then aim where you want to go as your traction returns.

For a rear-wheel skid in which the rear tires lose traction and a spin out feels eminent turn the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear is sliding. For example, the rear is swinging to the left, turn the wheel to the left. Ease off the accelerator and stay off the brakes. As the rear wheels regain traction, steer back in the original direction.

Anti-Lock Brakes Techniques

If you find yourself in a skid from where there is no recovering with an approaching obstacle and your vehicle has ABS, push the brake pedal down hard, and don’t let up. The computer will do the rest, keeping each wheel braking as aggressively as possible based on the available traction. An ABS system will allow you to steer with a fully depressed brake pedal so use the brakes but keep steering.

Off The Road

If your car is off the road, call for help and wait there. With freezing temperatures trying to leave the car for help could be dangerous.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 1/15/2024- 10:35AM-GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE)

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