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Question

Difficulty: MediumAdjusting Margins in Ice and Snow

While navigating a winding country lane covered with ice and packed snow, you see a sharp bend ahead. What action should you take to negotiate the turn safely?

  1. A
    Apply firm brake pressure while steering to keep the tyres firmly planted on the road
  2. Reduce your speed gently on the straight approach before steering smoothly into the curveAnswer
  3. C
    Depress the clutch pedal fully and coast through the turn to eliminate engine torque
  4. D
    Adopt a wet-weather margin of doubling your distance and apply the brakes once you enter the bend

Answer

Reduce your speed gently on the straight approach before steering smoothly into the curve
Tyre grip is drastically reduced on ice and compacted snow. The safest driving technique is to separate braking from steering by adjusting your speed gently on the straight road well before reaching the bend, selecting an appropriate gear, and then steering smoothly without touching the brake pedal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the road surface and geometry well ahead of the bend
Recognise that low friction on ice demands early speed adjustment
Vehicle stopping and turning capabilities are severely degraded on compacted snow and ice
2
Brake progressively and smoothly in a straight line before reaching the turn
The car reaches a safe cornering speed without losing tyre adhesion
Separating braking from steering prevents overwhelming the limited grip available between tyre and ice
3
Release the footbrake, maintain a gentle throttle in an appropriate gear, and steer smoothly around the curve
The vehicle negotiates the bend stably and under complete control
Smooth, progressive control inputs minimise lateral forces that cause skidding

Key Concept

Separating braking and steering inputs when negotiating hazards in icy conditions
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Adjusting Margins in Ice and Snow

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