Texans are accustomed to warm weather, so when a week of winter makes an unexpected visit, we are filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Temperatures have already dropped significantly in Dallas, and there are predictions of snowfall and icy conditions.
A lot of Texans are professionals at driving in extreme heat, but we aren’t used to driving in ice or snow. The lack of regular exposure to cold weather conditions means that most Texans, especially new drivers, might feel unprepared and unsure of how to safely navigate slick roads. Here are five tips for driving on icy roads in Dallas, Texas.
1. Don’t Drive!
This may seem like an obvious course of action, but staying off the roads during snow or ice storms is the best way to ensure your safety. Driving during a snow or ice storm dramatically increases the risk of a crash due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces.
Staying off the roads completely eliminates the risk of getting stranded or being involved in a car crash. However, staying home isn’t always an option. So, if it is absolutely necessary to travel, make sure you are taking the extra precautions to keep yourself and other drivers safe!
2. Take It Slow
When driving in ice or snow, it’s crucial that you reduce your speed. Speed limits are set for normal driving conditions. When cold weather is in the mix, you want to drop your speed by at least 20 mph. In serious weather conditions, you don’t want to go over 45 mph, even on the highway.
Maintaining a slow and steady pace will be the best way to maintain control of your vehicle. Speeding, or even traveling at the posted speed limit, can cause your vehicle to lose traction and increase your risk of skidding. It also limits your ability to brake promptly, putting you and other drivers in danger.
3. Keep Your Distance
Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely is dangerous under any circumstance. However, on icy roads, your risk of crashing is significantly higher. Your vehicle’s tires can’t grip the ice as effectively as dry surfaces, leading to longer stopping times. Maintaining a safe distance – at least three times more than usual – between you and the vehicle ahead is critical.
This gap allows you time and space to get to safety should the driver in front of you unexpectedly hit their brakes or lose control of their vehicle. These situations can happen suddenly and without warning, especially on icy roads where even small actions can lead to a chaotic spin-out.
4. Brake Easy
If your car starts to slide, or there are hazards in the road, it may be instinctive to slam on your brakes. However, when roads are iced over, this could be a deadly reflex. Quick, forceful braking can cause your tires to lock and your vehicle to skid uncontrollably.
When roads are slick, begin braking sooner than you normally would and press the brakes gently to allow your car to slow gradually. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) in modern vehicles can help, but only if they are used correctly by applying steady, consistent pressure rather than pumping the brakes.
5. Steer Into the Slide
Sometimes, despite how careful you are, sliding on icy roads is inevitable – that’s why it is safer to stay home. However, if you find yourself in this situation, remain calm and do not try to overcorrect, hit your brakes, or exit the vehicle. These swift actions out of panic can cause you to flip your vehicle or cause serious injury.
Instead, slowly let off the gas or brakes and steer in the direction your car is naturally sliding. This method helps the tires realign with the direction of travel, allowing your tires to regain traction. Once you have control of your vehicle, straighten your tires and slowly navigate your way back to your route.
The most important thing to remember while driving on icy roads in Dallas is to remain calm. Losing control of your vehicle can be scary, but acting out of fear can cause much more damage.
If you or a loved one is injured in a crash due to someone else’s negligence, contact a qualified Dallas, Texas, personal injury attorney. They can help gather weather reports and evidence to prove liability and help get your life back on track.
