Public Safety column: How to safely maneuver through icy, snowy Carson City roads
Driving during wet, snowy and icy conditions requires a reduction in speed and an increase in distance between vehicles to help prevent car crashes. Operating a four wheel drive vehicle is not a license to drive faster than other vehicles around you as you will always be subject to Mother Nature and the laws of physics.
At night, black ice can play a major role in loss of traction and control while travelling on roadways. When snow accumulates and covers patches of ice, your chances of crashing dramatically increases.
Slowing down and leaving plenty of room between you and the vehicles ahead of you will cut your risk of crashing. Proper braking when coming to a stop will keep you from sliding into objects. Most vehicles today are equipped with anti-lock braking systems. Read your owner’s manual to become more familiar with their use.
Even though you may be driving the posted speed limit, you should drive slower so that you maintain better control of your vehicle should you start to lose traction. Here are some tips for regaining control of your vehicle if you begin to slide:
— At the first sign that your rear tires have broken free and are providing no traction, take your foot off of the accelerator. This will automatically reduce your speed and often times will be all you need to do to regain control of your vehicle.
— Without over-reacting, slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction that the rear end is moving. For instance, if the rear end of the car is fishtailing to the left, steer to the left.
— Try not to overcompensate with steering. If the car's rear end begins to fishtail to the other side, slowly steer in that direction.
— It is common for the rear end to fishtail to the left and right multiple times. Stay calm and continue to steer in the direction of the rear end until the car's path straightens out.
Remember, when driving during adverse weather conditions, slow down, take your time and travel to your destination safely.
— Sgt. Scott McDaniel is with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and writes regular public safety columns. He can be reached at smcdaniel@carson.org.