You are driving on an ungritted single carriageway covered in compacted snow and ice. As you approach a queue of stationary traffic on a slight downhill gradient, which driving action should you take to maintain adequate safety margins and stop safely?
- AAllow five times the normal thinking distance while keeping standard dry-weather braking points.
- BDouble your standard dry-weather following distance and apply continuous, firm footbrake pressure on approach.
- Begin slowing down significantly earlier than usual using smooth, gentle control inputs, allowing up to ten times the normal stopping distance.Answer
- DMaintain your normal approach speed until close to the queue, then pump the footbrake vigorously to activate the anti-lock braking system.
Answer
Begin slowing down significantly earlier than usual using smooth, gentle control inputs, allowing up to ten times the normal stopping distance.
On compacted snow and ice, tyre grip is severely compromised, meaning overall stopping distances can increase by up to ten times compared to normal dry roads. When approaching stationary traffic—especially on a downhill gradient—drivers must anticipate far ahead, begin slowing down much earlier, and use light, progressive control inputs to avoid skidding and maintain an adequate safety margin.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Adjusting safety margins and braking technique on ice and snow
Estimated Time:1m 30s