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Question

Difficulty: HardIce and Snow Conditions

While driving along an untreated rural road in sub-zero temperatures, you notice that tyre noise has ceased and the steering suddenly feels unusually light and unresponsive as you approach a bend. What is the safest course of action to maintain vehicle control?

  1. A
    Brake firmly and steadily in a straight line before attempting to turn into the bend
  2. B
    Depress the clutch pedal and allow the vehicle to coast freely around the bend
  3. Smoothly ease off the accelerator and avoid any sudden braking or sharp steering inputsAnswer
  4. D
    Rapidly shift down to first gear to utilise maximum engine braking immediately

Answer

Smoothly ease off the accelerator and avoid any sudden braking or sharp steering inputs
When driving on black ice, the steering feels light and tyre noise disappears due to the lack of friction. The safest response according to the Highway Code is to smoothly ease off the accelerator to reduce speed gradually, avoiding harsh braking, sudden steering inputs, or sudden gear changes that would break what little tyre grip remains.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the symptoms of black ice
Recognise that silent tyre noise and light steering signify zero or negligible surface grip
Early recognition prevents sudden reactive inputs that destabilise the vehicle
2
Manage throttle and speed without using the footbrake
Gently ease off the accelerator to let momentum decrease gradually
Harsh braking on ice will immediately lock the tyres and prevent the vehicle from steering
3
Maintain smooth, minimal steering corrections
Keep steering inputs progressive and deliberate to follow the curvature of the road
Sudden or aggressive steering angles cause the front tyres to slide uncontrollably across the ice

Key Concept

Recognising and responding safely to black ice conditions and loss of tyre grip
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Ice and Snow Conditions

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