Tips for motorists: How to drive in icy conditions

There's a good reason skating and ice hockey are so popular: it's so much fun to slide across the ice at high speed. However, when you're driving and the road is covered in ice, it's not as fun anymore.

1. Do you need a trip.

Icy roads can be extremely dangerous, so we recommend that you consider whether the trip is really worth the financial and emotional cost of a possible accident.

2. Listen to the radio.

Meteorologists will often let you know if there are certain danger zones and this can help you decide if it's worth the risk or not.

One of the main differences between snow and ice is that snow is easy to spot. On the other hand, black ice goes so well with the color of the road that you often don't know it's there until it's too late. It is recommended to use the car thermometer as a guide. If you see that the temperature outside is close to freezing, you must be very careful.

Another way to spot ice is to watch other drivers. If you see them skidding, or if you notice that the cars have pulled off the road, they were probably driving through icy terrain.

3. How to drive on ice.

If you still decide to drive in icy conditions, here are some tips to help you get from point A to point B safely.

- Monitor the ambient temperature to be prepared for frosty conditions;

- Keep an eye on other drivers to see if they have been hit by ice;

- Listen to weather forecasts and avoid dangerous places;

- Move slowly and carefully;

- Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front.

- When skidding, turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the rear of your vehicle is sliding. If the back of your car is sliding in the same direction as your right shoulder, turn the steering wheel to the right. If the back slides in the same direction as your left shoulder, move to the left.

- Never take your hands off the steering wheel or depress the brake pedal as this may cause the wheels to lock.

- If ice is accompanied by hail, it is recommended to move off the road if possible, ideally stopping in a closed area, such as under a bridge. Point your car in the direction of the hail so that most of the force is held by your windshield, not its side or rear windows. Your windshield is more capable of protecting you than other windows. Wait for the hail to pass before hitting the road again.

- It's always good to have a charged cell phone with you so that you can notify people if you have an accident.