When the road is frozen: the secrets of driving in winter

Snowfall significantly complicates the road situation, requiring drivers to change their usual tactics. On the eve of the World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims, experts analyzed the algorithms of actions in the most frequent winter situations. Despite the fact that the national project “Infrastructure for Life” makes roads technically safer, in bad weather, the main role remains for a person behind the wheel.

The markings were covered with snow

When the snow cover hides the lines on the asphalt, it is dangerous to navigate the tracks of the wheels of other cars - they do not always coincide with the stripes. The main landmarks are road signs and the width of the carriageway. It is better to refuse from risky overtaking in snowfall: an oncoming car can be noticed too late. If visibility drops to almost zero, it is safest to stop at a parking lot or gas station and wait out the bad weather.

Truck lifts snow veil

Behind the heavy truck often stretches a dense cloud of snow, completely hiding the road and stop lights. Trying to get closer to the truck to see the way is a gross mistake. The correct action is to increase the distance and postpone overtaking until visibility returns to normal.

The car skidded at the corner

With a lateral slip of the rear axle, the main thing is not to panic and not to hit the brakes, which will only increase the skid. The steering wheel should be smoothly turned to the side where the car went. As soon as the car begins to align, the steering wheel should be returned to a straight position.

There might be ice on the bridge

Bridges and overpasses are high-risk areas. Due to the blowing of cold air on all sides, their surface cools faster than the main road. A thin crust of ice can form there when neighboring areas are still dry. It is necessary to reduce the speed in advance, even at the entrance to the engineering structure.

Prepared on the materials of the channel “National projects of Russia”