How to correct a slide on an icy road (and how to prevent them) - Winter driving education

Summary

This video from icyroadsafety.com, hosted by Dan Robinson, educates drivers on handling and preventing slides on icy roads. Key points include monitoring weather for icy conditions, slowing down to avoid slides, and the importance of speed—most fatal crashes occur at high speeds. The video also explains the difference between oversteer and understeer, emphasizing the commonality of oversteer in icy conditions. It provides practical advice on correcting a slide by not using brakes, turning into the slide, and avoiding panic or overcorrection. Real-world examples illustrate the challenges and the importance of staying under 45mph on icy roads to enhance safety.

Takeaways

• ❄️ Be aware of weather conditions in winter to anticipate icy roads.
• 🚗 Slow down when icy roads are imminent or in progress to prevent slides.
• 📱 Use weather apps to monitor precipitation and temperatures to stay informed.
• 🌡️ Even light snow or ice can make roads dangerous, so adjust your speed accordingly.
• 🌉 Be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses as they freeze faster than other road surfaces.
• 🏎️ High speeds increase the risk of losing control during a slide; keep your speed below 45mph on icy roads.
• 💥 Oversteer is the most common cause of crashes at high speeds on icy roads.
• 🚫 Avoid using brakes during a slide as it can make the situation worse.
• 🔄 Turn into the slide by steering in the direction of the rear slide to regain control.
• 😯 Stay calm and avoid overcorrecting to prevent the car from spinning out during a slide.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video by Dan Robinson from icyroadsafety.com?

The primary focus of the video is to demonstrate how to correct a slide on an icy road and, more importantly, how to avoid one in the first place.

What are the three main points discussed in the video regarding icy road slides?

The three main points discussed are: being aware of weather conditions, slowing down when icy roads are imminent or in progress, and responding appropriately if the vehicle begins to slide.

How can drivers avoid encountering ice on the roads during winter?

Drivers can avoid encountering ice by keeping track of precipitation in their area when temperatures are near or below freezing, using weather apps on their phones, and being cautious as ice can form even with light snowfall.

Why are bridges and overpasses particularly prone to icing?

Bridges and overpasses are more exposed to air than the road surface, causing them to cool much faster than the surrounding pavement, leading to quicker ice formation.

What is the recommended speed limit for driving on icy roads according to the video?

The recommended speed limit for driving on icy roads is below 45mph (70 km/h), even on highways, to reduce the risk of losing control during a slide.

What is the difference between oversteer and understeer, and which one is more common on icy roads?

Oversteer occurs when the rear wheels lose grip, causing the back end of the car to slide outward opposite the direction of steering input. Understeer happens when the front wheels lose grip in a turn, causing the car to continue straight. Oversteer is more common on icy roads and is often the cause of crashes at high speeds.

What is the first step to take when correcting an oversteer slide on an icy road?

The first step in correcting an oversteer slide is not to use the brakes, as braking can trigger or worsen a slide.

How should drivers turn their steering wheel when their car begins to slide on an icy road?

Drivers should turn their front wheels in the same direction as the rear of the vehicle is sliding, also known as 'turning into the slide'.

Why is it important not to panic or overcorrect when a car begins to slide on ice?

Panicking or overcorrecting can cause the car to rotate faster into a full spin, making it more difficult to regain control. It's crucial to make small, controlled adjustments to the steering wheel to counteract the slide.

What real-world examples does the video provide to illustrate the consequences of hitting the brakes during a slide?

The video shows examples where drivers lose control almost instantly once they hit the brakes, leading to total spinouts and highlighting the importance of not using brakes during a slide.

What is the main takeaway from the video regarding driving on icy roads?

The main takeaway is that while correcting a slide is possible, it becomes significantly more difficult at higher speeds. Slowing down to below 45mph when icy roads are imminent or in progress is the best strategy to avoid a slide in the first place.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Winter Driving Safety: Avoiding and Correcting Slides

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on winter driving safety, specifically on how to avoid and correct slides on icy roads. Dan Robinson from icyroadsafety.com emphasizes the importance of being aware of weather conditions, slowing down when icy roads are expected, and responding appropriately if a slide occurs. The video discusses the significance of monitoring weather apps for precipitation and temperature, the increased danger of light snow and ice, and the unique risks of bridges and overpasses. The key message is to slow down to avoid slides, as most fatal crashes happen at high speeds.

05:00

🛑 The Dangers of Braking During a Slide

This paragraph delves into the mechanics of slide correction, starting with the critical advice against using brakes during a slide, as it can exacerbate the situation. The video illustrates how braking can lead to a complete loss of control and a spinout. It explains the concept of 'turning into the slide', which involves steering in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding to regain control. The importance of maintaining a steady gaze on the intended direction of travel is highlighted, along with the need to be prepared for the car's oscillation between directions during slide correction. The paragraph concludes with real-world examples of slide corrections, emphasizing the difficulty of the process and the potential for overcorrection.

10:03

🌟 Success Stories and the Importance of Speed Control

The final paragraph showcases real-world examples of drivers correcting slides, highlighting the role of both skill and luck in successful outcomes. It discusses the challenges of transitioning from icy to wet pavement and the increased difficulty of slide correction at higher speeds. The video reiterates the importance of maintaining a speed below 45mph on icy roads to enhance the likelihood of avoiding a slide altogether. The key takeaway is that while slide correction is possible, it becomes significantly more challenging at higher velocities, reinforcing the message to slow down as a preventative measure.

Keywords

💡Heart-stopping moment

A 'heart-stopping moment' refers to a sudden, intense, and potentially dangerous situation that can cause fear or anxiety. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the experience of a car slide on icy roads, which can be a frightening and critical event. The video aims to prepare viewers for such moments by teaching them how to avoid and handle slides.

💡Icy road slide

An 'icy road slide' is a situation where a vehicle loses traction on an icy surface, causing it to slide uncontrollably. The video focuses on this concept as it is a primary concern for drivers during winter conditions. It provides tips on how to prevent and correct slides, emphasizing the importance of awareness and appropriate response.

💡Weather conditions

In the video, 'weather conditions' are crucial factors that drivers must monitor, especially during winter. The script advises drivers to be aware of freezing temperatures and precipitation, as these can lead to icy roads. The video underscores the need for drivers to adjust their speed and driving behavior based on current and forecasted weather.

💡Slow down

The phrase 'slow down' is a key piece of advice throughout the video, emphasizing the need for reduced speed in icy conditions. By slowing down, drivers increase their reaction time and decrease the likelihood of losing control of their vehicle. The video uses this term to stress the importance of proactive driving in response to weather and road conditions.

💡Oversteer

Oversteer is a driving term used in the video to describe a situation where a vehicle's rear wheels lose grip, causing the back end of the car to slide out in the opposite direction of the turn. The video explains that oversteer is a common cause of crashes at high speeds on icy roads and provides guidance on how to correct this type of slide.

💡Understeer

Understeer is another driving term mentioned in the video, where the front wheels of a vehicle lose grip during a turn, causing the car to continue moving straight instead of following the intended direction. The video contrasts this with oversteer, highlighting the different ways a vehicle can lose traction on icy roads.

💡Braking

The video discusses 'braking' as a critical action that, if mishandled, can lead to a slide on icy roads. It advises against using brakes during a slide, as it can cause a loss of control. The script provides examples of how braking can exacerbate a slide, emphasizing the need for gentle and careful braking techniques in icy conditions.

💡Turn into the slide

This phrase is a core technique discussed in the video for correcting an oversteer slide. It instructs drivers to turn their front wheels in the direction that the rear of the car is sliding. The video explains that this counterintuitive action can help regain control of the vehicle and prevent a spinout, providing examples from real-world scenarios.

💡Overcorrect

Overcorrecting refers to the act of steering too aggressively in the opposite direction when trying to correct a slide, which can lead to further loss of control. The video warns against overcorrecting, as it can cause the vehicle to spin out of control. It illustrates this concept with real-world examples, showing how subtle and gradual steering adjustments are more effective.

💡Angular momentum

Angular momentum is a physics concept mentioned in the video to explain the rotational behavior of a vehicle during a slide. It describes the tendency of a spinning object, like a car in a slide, to continue rotating. The video uses this term to explain why overcorrecting can lead to a full spin, emphasizing the need for controlled and balanced steering inputs.

Highlights

The video teaches how to correct a slide on an icy road and how to avoid one.

Dan Robinson from icyroadsafety.com discusses three main points for dealing with icy road slides.

Being aware of weather conditions is crucial for winter driving safety.

Slowing down when icy roads are imminent or in progress is advised.

Appropriate response to a vehicle slide is essential.

Using weather apps can help track precipitation and avoid icy conditions.

Most fatal icy road crashes occur with light snow and ice amounts.

Bridges and overpasses are common places for surprise ice due to faster cooling.

Slowing down is the most important driving technique on icy roads.

High speeds increase the likelihood of losing control on icy roads.

Oversteer and understeer are common on icy roads, with oversteer being more dangerous.

Braking during a slide can make it worse and is a common mistake.

Turning into the slide is a recommended method for correcting an oversteer.

Avoiding panic and overcorrection is key to successfully correcting a slide.

Real-world examples demonstrate the difficulty of correcting slides at high speeds.

Slowing down to below 45mph on icy roads can help avoid slides.

Transcripts

It's a heart-stopping moment.

Has it happened to you yet? If it hasn't, it will -

- unless you're prepared.

This video will show you how to correct

a slide on an icy road,

but more importantly,

help you avoid one in the first place.

This is Dan Robinson with icyroadsafety.com

We're going to talk about

three main points in this video when it

comes to dealing with icy road slides.

The first one:

be aware of the weather conditions in the wintertime.

SLOW DOWN when icy

roads are imminent or in progress, and 3,

respond appropriately

if your vehicle begins to slide.

Before we get into correcting a slide,

let's talk about how you can avoid one

in the first place.

Any time the temperatures are near or below freezing,

keep track of the precipitation in your

area before you get on the road.

There are many apps you can use on your phone

to keep track of the weather.

If precipitation is in the forecast and the

temperatures are below freezing,

you can encounter ice at any time.

it doesn't take much snow or ice to make roads dangerous.

Most fatal icy road crashes occur with

very light snow and ice amounts on the roads.

When precipitation amounts are light,

most drivers tend to be going full

speed and are caught off-guard by sudden patches of ice.

One of the most common places for

surprise ice is on bridges and

overpasses. A bridge is more exposed to

air than the road surface, so it tends to

cool much faster than the surrounding pavement.

After only an hour, this bridge

was completely covered in snow, while the

adjacent roads were completely snow free.

When it comes to icy roads, the most important driving

technique is very simple: SLOW DOWN.

If you stay aware of the

weather conditions and slow down when

icing is expected or in progress,

you'll avoid getting into a dangerous slide in the first place

That's always the better outcome.

The statistics show that most serious and

fatal icy road crashes happen at high

speeds, generally above 45 miles an hour.

The higher your speed, the more likely

you are to lose control, and the more

difficult a slide will be correct successfully.

Your speed should never be

above 45mph (70 km/h) on icy roads, even on a highway.

Some types of road icing

are more dangerous, and may require even slower speeds.

In some cases, it's just a

bad idea to be on the road at all.

As a general rule, if your car begins to

fishtail or slide, it's a sign you're going

too fast for the conditions.

Before we talk about correcting a slide,

let's talk about oversteer and understeer.

Both of these conditions can

happen on icy roads, but it's oversteer

that is the most common cause of crashes at high speeds.

Understeer happens when

your front wheels lose grip in a turn,

causing your car to keep going straight

even though your wheels are turned to one side.

Oversteer, on the other hand, happens when

your rear wheels lose grip with the road.

In an oversteer condition, the back end

of the car will slide outward, opposite

the direction of your steering input.

Oversteer slides can happen when

rounding a curve, turning a corner, or

even with a slight steering motion such

as changing lanes on a highway.

Most fishtailing is an oversteer condition.

Slides can also be triggered by braking

or accelerating. Both of these are

actions that can cause one or more of

the vehicle's wheels to lose their grip.

Now that we've covered

the basics of preventing a slide,

let's talk about what to do if one happens.

There are three points to remember about

oversteer slide correction.

1. don't use your brakes,

2. Turn into the slide, and

3. Don't panic and don't overcorrect.

The first point we're going to cover is:

Don't use your brakes.

This is one of the most common mistakes

drivers make during a slide on an icy road.

Braking cannot only trigger a slide,

it will make a slide worse.

Here's a good example. Watch the brake

lights on this car. The car loses

complete control almost instantly

once the driver hits the brakes.

Braking, in this case, caused a total spinout

before the driver even had a chance to

correct the slide. For slide correction to

work, your wheels need to be turning freely.

The second point: Turn your front wheels

in the same direction that the rear of

the vehicle is sliding. You've also heard

about "turning into the slide". These both

mean the same thing. For example, if the

back of your car slides to the right,

turn the wheel to the right. As the car

straightens out, straighten the steering wheel.

It's helpful to keep your eyes

focused on where you want the car to go -

- that is, on the road ahead.

The amount you'll need to turn the wheel is

proportional to how far and how fast the

back of your car is sliding.

A small slide will only require a slight

steering motion.

What often makes correcting slide so

difficult is that once your car begins

to respond to you turning the wheel,

it will often snap back in the other direction.

When you're in the process of

correcting a slide in one direction,

be prepared for the car to swing back in

the opposite direction. This oscillation

can happen several times, and you'll need

to respond accordingly.

Let's take a look at correcting a couple

of real-world slides from the driver's view.

The steering wheel position is superimposed.

Finally, the last point: Don't panic and don't overcorrect.

An oversteer slide gives the

car angular momentum, which means it

will want to keep rotating into a full spin.

Overcorrecting will send the car

rotating faster than a steering can

counter and the car will spin out.

Let's take a look at some real-world

examples of accidents and slides -

some that were corrected successfully,

some that weren't. So let's take a look at

this video here. This is a bridge,

an interstate bridge, that curves pretty

sharply to the left here. This is in

Charleston, West Virginia. I want you to

notice the car's wheels, and which

direction the car rotates. So first of all,

the car is rounding a curve here, and

you can see the back end comes out to the right.

Now the driver right here is

responding correctly - you see his wheels

are turned just a little bit back to the right in

the direction and he's sliding.

Now, I want you to look at how the car responds

to him turning the wheel to the right.

See, the car comes back, and now it snaps

back over to the left, and you can see

again, he's turning his wheel to the left

to correct, which is the right move.

But then watch what happens.

The car slides back out to the right.

At this stage, he's overcorrected.

It was just a little bit too much, and it sent

the back end sliding out to the right - far

to the right. Now, once again, turning the

wheel to the right, and watch what happens.

So there, he corrects, see how the car will

go back in the opposite direction?

So he's turning the wheel back to the left

to counter that little slide to the left,

but unfortunately in this case it's

going to be a little too much.

So again, this driver was only going about 55mph,

but you can see how

difficult it is, even if you respond correctly.

It's very easy to overcorrect at

high speeds.

What I'm about to show you here is a

very rare event. This is somebody that

successfully corrected a slide.

So let's watch and see what happens.

The guy is going around the curve here,

which is curving to the left - which means in

most cases, an oversteer slide is going

to make his car slide out to the right.

Which is exactly what happens.

So let's watch.

See right there - back of the car comes

around to the right. The driver

appropriately steers to the right

to counter,

and you can see how the car comes back

out to the left to respond to that.

And he manages to correct it. Now the other

thing here you can see,

one of the reasons this driver was able

to pull this off

is he ended up on a section of the road

that was actually salted, and so

there wasn't as much ice right here

where he was, so that kind of helped him

out there. But you can see that it takes

a little bit of luck in addition to the skill.

Now this one is going to be an

interesting one.

This driver, again, going around a

right-hand curve, which way do you expect the

back end of the car to come out? It's going

to be coming out to the left. Right there,

the back end comes out to the left, you can

see the driver responding correctly,

he's turning his wheels to the left to

counter that slide,

and then the back end

comes back around to the right, he's

countering again, same thing.

Now this is an interesting situation,

because right ahead of this car is the

end of the bridge. So, he's on ice right

now, but he's about to drive on pavement

that's just wet, so his tires are going

to grab suddenly and make him swing

around the other direction.

This next clip is going to be in an

identical time and place - same situation

as the previous vehicle. The driver

enters the right-hand turn, the back of the

car swings out to the left as it starts to slide,

the driver steers just slightly

to the left, just enough to get it back in line,

the car rebounds a little bit to the right,

the driver corrects, and actually

manages to pull this off.

Let's watch it again.

Here's yet another example of why you don't want to hit your brakes.

I want you to pay attention to the brake

lights on this pickup truck.

Watch what happens as soon as the brake lights light up.

This driver wasn't even much of a slide

until he hit his brakes.

The main takeaway from this video is that

correcting a slide can be done, but it

becomes much more difficult at higher

speeds. If you slow down to below 45mph (70 km/h)

when icy roads are

imminent or in progress, you'll end up

with the best possible outcome:

avoiding a slide in the first place.