How to drive in snow and icy weather | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Skid Pan: A highly polished surface used for practicing car control in simulated icy conditions.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): A safety feature that helps prevent skidding by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels.
• Steering into the Skid: The technique of turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid to regain control.
• Smooth Inputs: The importance of gentle and controlled movements of the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes.
• Braking in a Skid: The critical advice not to brake hard during a skid, as it can worsen the situation.
• Speed Reduction: The most effective preventative measure for driving safely in icy conditions.

Driving Safely on Icy Roads: A Practical Guide

Introduction

The video focuses on the dangers of driving in wintry conditions and provides practical advice and training on how to handle skids and maintain control on icy roads. The core of the training takes place on a skid pan, a specialized surface designed to replicate icy conditions, allowing drivers to experience and learn from loss of control in a safe environment.

Pre-Drive Vehicle Checks & Journey Assessment

Before embarking on a journey in cold weather, several precautions are essential. The video emphasizes the importance of thoroughly de-icing the entire car, not just the windscreen. Maintaining topped-up screen wash is also crucial for visibility. Tire condition and correct tire pressure are highlighted as vital factors for grip. Beyond the vehicle itself, drivers are urged to assess the necessity of their journey, particularly if severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office or the police. The question "Is your journey really necessary?" is presented as a key consideration.

The Skid Pan Experience & Loss of Control

The practical demonstration takes place on a skid pan at Thruxton Circuit. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is deliberately disabled to allow drivers to experience the full effect of losing traction. The driver participating in the training initially expresses apprehension, having previously been involved in a car spinning out of control. The initial experience of a skid is described as happening “quite quickly,” even at relatively low speeds (20-25 mph). The video illustrates how easily a car can lose control on a slippery surface, emphasizing that doubling the speed could lead to “catastrophic” consequences on a public road. The experience is described as both “fun” and “scary,” highlighting the emotional impact of losing control.

Preventing Skids: The Core Principle of Speed Reduction

The primary message throughout the video is that preventing a skid is far preferable to attempting to recover from one. The most effective preventative measure is to significantly reduce speed and employ “really smooth” control of the steering, braking, and acceleration. This emphasizes the importance of anticipating conditions and adjusting driving style accordingly.

Recovering from a Skid: The "Ease and Steer" Technique

If a skid does occur, the video outlines a specific recovery technique:

1. Ease the Accelerator: Immediately reduce pressure on the accelerator pedal.
2. Steer into the Skid: Turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear of the car is sliding. For example, if the rear of the car is moving to the right, steer to the right.
3. Smooth Inputs: The emphasis is on making these adjustments smoothly and avoiding abrupt steering movements, which can exacerbate the situation.
4. Keep Wheels Pointed Where You Want to Go: Maintain focus on the desired direction of travel.
5. Do Not Brake: A critical warning is given against applying the brakes hard during a skid, as this can cause the car to lose traction further and continue sliding.

The video demonstrates this technique repeatedly, with the driver successfully regaining control after initially experiencing skids. The phrase “Ease and steer” is repeatedly used to reinforce the key action.

The Role of Speed and Circumstances

The video stresses that driving too fast for the prevailing conditions is a primary cause of skids. The initial unnerving feeling of losing control is contrasted with the increased confidence gained through practicing the recovery technique. The driver states, “It was quite unnerving to begin with, that feeling of lack of control, but actually those little basic tips makes a huge difference.”

Notable Quote

“Ultimately, if you’re going too quickly, we just can’t overcome the laws of physics.” – Instructor, emphasizing the limitations of driver skill in the face of excessive speed.

Technical Terms Explained

• Skid: A loss of traction where the tires lose their grip on the road surface, causing the vehicle to slide.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): A computerized system that monitors the vehicle’s direction and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels to help prevent skidding.

Logical Connections

The video follows a logical progression: it begins by establishing the danger of icy roads, then introduces the skid pan as a training environment, demonstrates the experience of losing control, provides preventative measures, and finally details the recovery technique. The emphasis consistently returns to the importance of speed reduction as the primary safety measure.

Conclusion

The video provides a practical and informative guide to driving safely in icy conditions. The key takeaway is that preventing a skid through reduced speed and smooth control is paramount. However, should a skid occur, the “ease and steer” technique, combined with avoiding hard braking, offers a viable method for regaining control. The experience on the skid pan underscores the importance of understanding vehicle dynamics and practicing safe driving habits in challenging conditions.