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Question

Difficulty: MediumWinter Driving, Snow, and Black Ice

You are driving on a road covered with packed snow and ice as you approach a sharp curve. Which of the following actions is recommended to safely navigate the curve without losing traction?

  1. Slow down smoothly before entering the curve, then release the brake and steer gently through the curve.Answer
  2. B
    Brake hard while actively turning the steering wheel to force the vehicle around the curve quickly.
  3. C
    Maintain the posted speed limit while engaging cruise control to keep wheel speed constant through the bend.
  4. D
    Maintain a standard 3-second following distance and accelerate sharply mid-curve to pull the vehicle through.

Answer

Slow down smoothly in a straight line before entering the curve, and steer gently without braking while negotiating the turn.
The safest technique for negotiating curves on snow or ice is to perform all necessary braking in a straight line before turning. Releasing the brake before turning allows tires to use their entire traction capacity for steering control rather than splitting traction between braking and cornering.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess road conditions and upcoming curve
Identify reduced traction due to snow and ice.
Slippery surfaces dramatically decrease tire friction.
2
Adjust speed early before steering
Vehicle decelerates while traveling in a straight line.
Separating braking from steering prevents combined forces from exceeding tire traction limits.
3
Guide the vehicle smoothly through the bend
The car maintains control and directional stability.
Gentle steering inputs without sudden throttle or brake changes keep tires rolling within their traction threshold.

Key Concept

Deceleration and Traction Management on Winter Curves
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Topics

Winter Driving, Snow, and Black Ice

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