Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumIce and Snow Conditions

While driving in freezing conditions, if the steering wheel suddenly feels unusually light and tyre noise noticeably decreases, it indicates that your vehicle is travelling on ice and has lost traction.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
The statement is true because icy road surfaces offer almost zero grip. When tyres lose adhesion on ice or black ice, steering resistance disappears (making steering feel unusually light) and tyre noise on the road surface ceases.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyse the physical symptoms described (unusually light steering and diminished tyre noise) under freezing ambient temperatures.
Identify that the loss of mechanical grip between the tyres and an icy road surface removes steering resistance and suppresses tyre noise.
Ice drastically reduces friction, leading to a smooth interface that silences tyre rumble and reduces wheel resistance.
2
Evaluate whether these physical symptoms indicate driving over ice and experiencing loss of traction.
Confirm that according to the Highway Code, light steering and tyre silence are direct indicators of driving on ice.
Recognising these early warning signs allows the driver to ease off the accelerator smoothly without harsh braking or steering.

Key Concept

Recognising the sensory indicators of driving on ice
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Ice and Snow Conditions

More questions from this topic