Top 5 Winter Driving Tips to Prevent Icy Roads Accidents

[@sissichou3134]

Thank you very much Rick for the Crash Analysis Smart videos! When I began taking my driving lessons I kept watching dashcam videos on youtube trying to figure out why accidents happened, but the only thing I actually got is that they just crashed. Sometimes I watched the same clip over and over and ended up with my head in the clouds unable to figure out the situation. One Chinese driver said that some new drivers don't pay attention to the right things: ''they don't know where to watch'', he said, ''even if they put their eyes on the roof of the vehicle, with 360 degree visibility, they still look at the wrong things'' (I guess I'm still trapped in this level) but you once said the new drivers can't figure out the potential dangers even if they see what they need to see - that's scary to me. I just began to practise driving on hollow streets and parkinglots. Passed my theory exam, still I have experiences sitting near a driver when he suddenly lowered the speed, braked or sweared, I who had kept watching the street the whole time didn't foresee/understand the gravity of the situation. I watched a youtube channel called DDS TV that the editor gave brief subtitle explanations to every crash, with no conclusion or in depth analysis. Your Crash Analysis series is very helpful - especially for beginners like me with very little experience and almost zero grasp of the situations. Analysis means to reason the cause and effect, while reasoning with 1st hand experiences of a veteran driver like you makes the series really precious.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi 周硒 - Thank you for your great comment. And you are most welcome. That is one of the fundamental tenets of my teaching; why does it happen. When I was in the military, they told me that I had to lace my boots in a particular fashion. Of course, I thought to myself - well that's pedantic. But after they explained that the laces at the bottom near your toe go over the top was to get a knife under the lace to cut it if there is a foot injury - it totally made sense. And to this day I still lace my shoes and boots in this manner. It's the same with car crashes - if I can tell you why, it will help you be a smarter and safer driver. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@ChrisGaglardi42]

Putting your automatic transmission into manual mode and downshifting to control descent speed on hills can be pretty useful when it's slick out. Be prepared to shift back up if you go down too far and start sliding though!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Chris Gaglardi - Thank you for your great comment. You are correct about downshifting too much. You could potentially lock the wheels, and as you said, be prepared to get in into neutral and get the wheels rolling. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@malenejessen6551]

Your videos are so useful to me, thank you! I drove routinely 20 years ago, when I first got my license. I had a car and a job driving different types of vehicles. But then the years passed without it and suddenly I had lost all confidence in driving. So this winter I bought a car and drive to and from work. But it's a steep learning curve to not only overcome my lack of confidence but also the very slippery roads I have to take to work along the coast line (in Scandinavia). I find your videos very informative and encouraging and I am happy to have stumbled upon them.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Malene Jessen - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@victoruchiha4550]

Hey rick just passed my road test thank you for all the videos.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi I vic Fucksyourgirl - that is awesome news! Thanks so much for letting us know. I’m sure you have a big celebration planned & it is well deserved! All the best with your newly earned freedom. If there’s anything further we can do drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@Phantasm57]

After watching one of the other videos on this channel about driving in the winter with snow and also having some drifting experience. I suggest if possible practicing in an open parking lot. If you can drift around in the snow and get yourself used to how a vehicle slides as well as understanding how your vehicle reacts to both over and under steering in a controlled area that helps greatly.

[@smartdrivetest]

See this video my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqOaZHyaj5iZa7M Drop us a note if you have further questions. Cheers Rick

[@samantharoberts9658]

I remember when my sister and I were younger, we just kept arguing in the back seat of the car. It was winter time and our mother was driving. We just would not stop so my mom turned around to yell at us, and slid on black ice that was on the road that she didn't see. Thankfully we only landed in a cow field, but we were also SO close to hitting a telephone pole but thankfully, didn't. Everyone was okay, but we were stuck in about 2-3 feet of snow, the car wouldn't start so we had 0 heat, and had to wait a couple hours for someone to come get us. i think that's where ALOT of my driving anxiety comes in because I'm always terrified of getting into an accident. I don't want to die, get severely injured, kill someone else, or severely injure someone else as well. But I know i have to get over it.

[@Lanka-j3i]

Omg i have never driven in snow or ice.. Im actually terrified right now seeing videos. I have a jeep automatic . I really dont know how i will do. All dont speed do not apply break steer on the direction where i want to go God bless me

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi peaceful living eyes - breathe my friend...just breathe. You're going to be fine. In the beginning, just slow down back from where you want to stop and then creep up to where you want to stop. The rest will sort itself out my friend. All the very best, Cheers Rick

[@briandobson5135]

Let's say you are coming up on a turn you KNOW is coming. What I do (from my time spent in Alaska driving), is make sure you have plenty of space both in front and in back of you. Let off the gas and let your jeep slow itself down at first. give the brakes VERY LIGHT taps just to make sure your brake lights come on and to assist slowing down. But DO NOT Hold the brakes. That will lock up the wheels. If the turn has a rating of say 30 MPH, I would usually slow to almost half that speed if possible (15 MPH). At speeds of 20 MPH or lower, your vehicle has a far better chance of keeping traction. Again, however, Make sure nobody is close behind you. Another tip is this...NEVER EVER Pass a snow plow. Being behind that plow (A safe distance) is probably the best traction you will have. Also, best way to tell you are going slow enough, your car won't slip or slide as much. If you go to fast you will lose that very important traction. 4x4s are no guarantee you'd be any safer then any 2 wheel or All Wheel Drive. ANY car has to drive for the conditions.

[@alansach8437]

I guess the real trick is slowing down enough to be safe, but not so much that you become a hazard. Unfortunately, when everyone is clearly going too fast, it makes it hard to slow down without getting hit.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Alan Sach - Thank you for your comment. You are correct my friend. You simply have to find that sweet spot where you're managing space well and travelling at a speed where you can stop. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@freakyflow]

When driving I take all factors into play ...Just started snowing and its below freezing outside (highway has 3 hills 1 major bridge 12 turns with a on-off-ramp And more then likely no plows yet) I'll take the side roads Less traffic slower speeds I own a Chevy Blazer 4x4 with snow tires -45 windshield washer fluid, a heavy blanket, Booster cables and a old Army shovel In Canada as a kid we would find a parking lot snow covered and do spin outs and try to get stuck for fun...It gives you a better idea what cars/trucks do on ice and snow And how to get rid of the knee jerk reaction of hitting brakes I just come back from new years In northern ontairo The highway i was on was closed due to a plie up I drove 200kms to get home sometimes at 30km/Hr Night time high winds with heavy snow in white out settings 4 way flashers no street lamps...Stopped at a coffee shop for 1 hr till the snow died down..Same road head on crash 1 kms away ...which happen just after i pulled over...Sometimes even if your ok to drive remember that road has more then you on it ..if it gets that bad know when to get off the road

[@neal8720]

I am like you when it comes to fresh snow, I always hear stick to the main heavily used roads. That though is where the people are flying, and conditions may be no better, and if I am on back roads I can drive slow and steady, with little traffic.

[@TheCjcoon]

I live in bc, this is my second winter driving, I slid threw a 2 way stop because I took a steep ice hill and also slid on the highway because I accelerated to fast! Both times I kept my cool and got out safely! I'm also glad I did drifts in the snow and learned how my jeep reacts when sliding and how to correct it. The ice hill was definitely sketchy cuz I was in town and had cars on both sides parked, all I could do was put on hazzard and pump breaks/hope no one is crossing or driving threw the 2 way stop...I stopped 4 cars down from the intersection!

[@smartdrivetest]

It’s always a good day when the close calls are just a learning experience. Happy to hear you’re okay. And the work in the parking lot helped out I’m sure. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@TheCjcoon]

@@smartdrivetest yes I'm glad it was just learning experiences! Your videos deffenetly helped! So thank you! I like looking up your videos once in a while for the tips on safe driving and just to refresh cheers.👍👍

[@TheCjcoon]

@@smartdrivetest the parking lot snow video is a good one to watch and fun to practice!!!

[@cc_snipergirl]

This is really helpful, thank you :) I'm new to living in the cold and it's been warmer than normal for up here, but we're supposed to get a lot of ice tomorrow evening. I'm going try to get home before it hits those temps but it's good to know just in case

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi CC_SniperGirl - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@alexbrown5991]

The one thing I was hoping you would have mentioned . How to actually drive on ice I have actually done a 4WD hazardous snow and ice driving course at Mt Buller in Australia. braking losing traction and then powering back on the accelerator. You feel the vehicles tyres bite in to the ice. Car will lurch forward a little. You then know you have traction back. Then you can now gently reapply your brakes just enough for a bend or corner. Wipe off your speed and safely drive through the bend or corner. This is especially true for older cars or 4wd's pre 90s without traction control. Cheers the rest of your video was good. Cheers. Obviously on ice, best have your chains on !

[@AnnMitt]

I worked in the medical field for 35 years and there was no calling in during a snow storm. Scary times for sure.

[@brett1297]

Thanks for keeping me safe Rick!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Brett Stover - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome my friend. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@arbia.9391]

Thank You Rick.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Arbi A. - you are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@tenancingogarcia]

Thank you Rick for all the info

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi miguel angel - thanks for your inspiring comment. And you are most welcome my friend. If there’s anything further we can do drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@dylanpancake70]

Hey Rick sorry I didn't understand for what you said earlier, can you pull into the first lane if there is cars in the other lane? you said you can when there is a space gap right so you go when your lane is clear and there is a new gap when the car in the other lane passes?

[@hungkiet7535]

My card skid very bad this morning,there were a lot of snow today.

[@pauloslangana6695]

Great Explanation. Thank you!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Paulos Langana - you are most welcome my friend. If we can help further, drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@johnnyjones132]

Great video Rick , thanks for sharing.😊

[@JupiterMan12.000]

In Snowy & Icy Conditions its best not to go for a Drive unless you need to go somewhere.

[@alexbrown5991]

That's no fun at all !

[@paperremix]

Wish my work place new that!!

[@bigmoneyboss7898]

Hi Rick thank you for a great video

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Big$MoneyBoss - thanks for your great comment. And you are most welcome my friend. If there’s anything further we can do drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@jonathanstoddard7712]

Tip, Practice,practice and more practice.

[@nombr]

In BC do you known moti uses ice melt?

[@elevatorfan125]

Stay off the road if it is snowing or freezing rain if at all possible

[@lynheydt3304]

You forgot one important factor good snow tires. Also adding to going down hill put the vehicle in neutral it stops the torque of the engine pushing you. Just my two cents

[@sjames304]

He talked about snow tires

[@nofyfb123]

Do NOT EVER put in neutral! This will contribute towards wheel locking and loss of control. Instead, shift into lower gear.

[@Ashley_van_Schooneveld]

Do ABS brakes help?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi François Parent - Thank you for your question. They can, but like any technology you have to understand how they work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooS8eYSnet6nrqs All the best, Cheers Rick

[@calligman2844]

Thank you I think most people over correct due to panic

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Cal Ligman - glad to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@alexsynstad6002]

Winter-tyres is also smart.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Alex Synstad - you are correct my friend. Have a look at this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ3ZhJuanZdpfrc All the best, Cheers Rick

[@alexsynstad6002]

@@smartdrivetest I from Norway and good tires are very important here in winter conditions. 😊

[@smartdrivetest]

You are correct my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@rhondachung4540]

Thank you so much!!

[@reflexreaction3797]

All that talk about the wheels blocking... What about the ABS, why is it not helping?

[@smartdrivetest]

ABS is actually detrimental on ice and other slippery conditions. See this video for more details: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooS8eYSnet6nrqs All the best, Cheers Rick

[@nofyfb123]

Hope this helps: There is one essential tip missing in this video. It's true that pushing the brakes on a slippery surface makes a vehicle uncontrollable but just letting off the brake is not going to help especially when you are going down hill, and the vehicle is accelerating. If your vehicle is not equipped with ABS (AntiLockBrakes), you need to "pump" brake pedal as fast as you can - push/let go-push/let go. This will allow the wheels to "find traction" between pushes thus you will have a chance to control direction or at least pick the target. ABS is a huge help but (BUT!) since it measures rotation speed difference between the wheels and does "pumping" for you using individual wheels, and if you slam on the brakes, and all four wheels lock up, form ABS' perspective, the vehicle is not moving, and the system doesn't work. If that happens, pump the bake pedal until at least one of the wheels gets some resistance, starts spinning, and the system kicks in. Since vast majority of the vehicles today do have ABS, some assume that the system can stop you on the dime on pure ice. Not the case! It will help you steer but braking distance is actually greater than without it. And one other note: there is one and only one definition of excessive speed: above safe for conditions or posted limit range whichever is lower.

[@AimieNeish]

Thanks for the video!

[@smartdrivetest]

You are welcome my friend, If you need anything just drop us note. All the best, Cheers!

[@kylelikeskjvbible]

Looks like some nice tips.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Kyle the man who loves Jesus The Saviour - Glad you like them! Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@raadalhashimi1904]

شكرا عالمعلومات القيمة

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi raad alhashimi - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome my friend. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@knq1]

love these videos man

[@charlie2b-d335]

How to avoid a winter accident: Don't drive!

[@johnnylamuelo2102]

Leave early and give yourself extra time. Time management .

[@albertonino7376]

Thank you for the videos help me a lot

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Alberto Nino - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@suranjithfernando2153]

Thank you very much !

[@smartdrivetest]

You are welcome my friend, If you need anything just drop us note. All the best, Cheers!