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Difficulty: MediumIce and Snow Conditions

During freezing conditions, road surfaces can become treacherous even if they appear clear. When driving on an open, quiet road with no other vehicles or hazards nearby, what is the safest way to check whether the road is icy?

  1. A
    Make quick, sharp steering movements from side to side to test lateral grip
  2. Apply the footbrake gently while travelling at a slow speed to feel the vehicle's responseAnswer
  3. C
    Select neutral and allow the vehicle to coast to check for tyre rolling resistance
  4. D
    Accelerate briskly in first gear to determine if the drive wheels spin

Answer

Apply the footbrake gently while travelling at a slow speed to feel the vehicle's response
According to the UK Highway Code, when driving in freezing weather and where there is no danger to other road users, drivers can check for ice and tyre grip by braking gently at a low speed. This low-risk action provides immediate physical feedback through the brake pedal and steering wheel regarding how much friction is available.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Ensure the surrounding environment is completely safe
Confirm there is no following traffic, oncoming vehicles, or vulnerable road users nearby.
Any testing of vehicle handling or braking must only occur when it presents zero hazard to other road users.
2
Reduce vehicle speed and apply gentle brake pressure
Observe the tactile feedback through the pedal and note whether the car decelerates smoothly or begins to slide.
A controlled, gentle application of the footbrake at low speed reveals the level of surface grip without inducing a loss of control.

Key Concept

Testing road grip safely in icy conditions using gentle, controlled brake applications at low speed as advised in the UK Highway Code.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Ice and Snow Conditions

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