Prepare the car:
- Make sure your windows and headlights are completely clear of snow and ice. That way you can see and be seen clearly yourself.
- Use antifreeze washer fluid to prevent freezing. Ordinary windshield washer fluid or for summer can freeze on your windows.
- Reduce your tire pressure. This ensures better grip on slippery road surfaces by increasing contact with the surface.
Adapt your driving:
- Adapt your driving and anticipate dangerous situations. Is rule one for defensive driving.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. The braking distance is much longer with a smooth road surface, and this way you can anticipate better.
- Deactivate cruise control and drive yourself. That way, you have a better feel for the road and can therefore anticipate and intervene better.
- Always drive in 2nd gear to avoid slipping. Less clutch means less traction and therefore less chance of tire slippage on the slippery road surface.
- Avoid sudden acceleration, braking or turning the steering wheel. This is to prevent road skidding and maintain grip on the slippery road surface.
- Brake with the engine rather than the brakes, especially on slippery surfaces. This causes you to brake more gently and allows you to keep the right foot ready to intervene where necessary.
- Reduce your speed before tackling tight bends and curves. By adjusting your speed, there is less chance of skidding.
If you slip:
If you lose grip, straighten the steering wheel, look and steer in the desired direction. The brain will automatically direct the body where the eye is looking.
Extra caution:
- Be especially careful on bridges, freeway exits and entrances, viaducts and local roads, as they freeze over more quickly. Local roads are less likely to be gritted or not gritted at all.