WITH THE COLD weather unlikely to stop, Dyfed Powys Police Inspector Gary Jones is giving residents advice about driving in icy conditions.
“Ice is one of the most hazardous of all driving conditions,” said the inspector, “Black ice is particularly treacherous because it is transparent and harder to spot compared to snow, frozen slush or thicker white ice.” As a result of this, many drivers often don’t realise they are actually driving on ice and don’t reduce their speeds.
Here are Inspector Jones’ useful tips for driving in ice: Only drive if it’s absolutely necessary and don’t be afraid to turn back if you think the conditions are too treacherous Make sure your windows are completely clear before you start driving.
If you’re driving to meet someone, let them know where you are travelling and when you expect to arrive You may need to leave as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap between you and the car in front If you do encounter a skid, steer gently into it – for example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp your foot on the brakes Controls such as the brakes, as well as the steering, accelerator and even gear changing should be operated both smoothly and slowly A higher gear may be more appropriate to aid the tyres gripping when moving off on packed ice.
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