Safe Driving on Ice and Snow

On wintry roads, it is even more important to adjust your speed to the often rapidly changing conditions and to keep a sufficient distance from the vehicles in front.

This provides more time to react and allows for safer navigation over slippery spots. Especially when temperatures fluctuate around the freezing point, the road surface can constantly change.

Treacherous and hardly recognizable: Black Ice

If the road is covered with ice - for example, after freezing rain or black ice - the only solution is to leave the car parked and wait for the winter service. Or, after appropriate warnings on the radio, not to drive at all. The traction between the tires and the road is non-existent in such cases, warns the ADAC. Even winter tires, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP) or chains do not help then. 

Treacherous: Black ice, in particular, is hardly recognizable and can occur suddenly when rain or fog meets a frozen road surface. The water then freezes immediately and forms a hard, glassy, cohesive layer. Especially in shady areas, such as through forests, or on bridges, the road can cool down significantly in winter. While warning signs can be posted in particularly dangerous areas – but not everywhere.

Brake and steer gently

On snow-covered roads, it is advisable to brake as gently and, above all, as early as possible in normal traffic, according to the ADAC Hessen-Thuringia. Sudden steering and braking maneuvers should now be avoided.

If the car starts to skid on a slippery road, the rule is: disengage the clutch, brake, and steer quickly but gently in the opposite direction. In emergency braking, always press the pedal fully and firmly. In this case, electronic braking systems such as ABS or a brake assist can provide optimal support.

But don't be alarmed: Existing electronic assistance systems like ABS or ESP often need to regulate and intervene earlier under winter conditions than on dry tracks. For example, if the ABS activates, it may feel unfamiliar to drivers at first because a kind of pulsing is felt in the brake pedal. This prevents the wheels from locking and helps maintain the lane. In this situation, it is important not to release the pressure from the brake.