If you’ve been humming Paul Simon’s song, Slip Slidin’ Away as you drive the roads this winter, you’re not alone. Some of us may have scoffed at the 2018 Farmer’s Almanac predictions for a rough winter in Eastern Tennessee, but with the winter we’ve had so far, those old-time predictors deserve credit for accuracy. On average, Eastern Tennessee sees three inches of snow each year. It’s only January, and some areas have already had their annual total.
Driving on snow can be challenging, but it’s the freezing rain changing to ice prior to snowfalls that makes driving treacherous. Even after roads are cleared of snow, and temperatures warm up during the day, a drop in the overnight temperature can result in wet roads developing black ice, particularly on highway overpasses or bridges.
On January 8th, 2018, Knoxville drivers struggled with icy roads. More than 60 crashes were reported through mid-day, a semi-truck lost control on I40, and two additional truck accidents occurred near the welcome center. With cold snaps expected through the end of February, driving on ice may be something you face a few more times before Spring arrives. If you must drive on the roads during inclement weather, here are some tips for driving on ice.
Preparing to Get on the Road
Before you start your journey, make sure your car is road-ready.
Check your tires.
Tires need a deep tread to grip the road. Insert a penny into one of the tire treads. If Lincoln’s face is visible, you may need new tires.
Underinflated tires make it harder to stop and corner a vehicle. Tire pressure gets lower as it gets colder. Each ten-degree drop in temperature creates a one to two PSI drop in tire pressure, so be sure to inflate tires to the recommended level.
Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank and washer fluid.
Since your journey may take longer than usual, check the fuel level and try to top off to at least a half tank.
The extra moisture and any salt or sand on the road means you’ll use more washer fluid to keep the windshield clear. Replace the wipers if they don’t clean the windshield completely.
Clean your vehicle’s exterior.
You’ll need full visibility throughout your trip, so remove ice or snow completely, including the hood, trunk, roof, lights and windows.
Use the defrosters to help keep windows clear.
Driving on Ice
As you head out on the road, use these tips for safer driving.
Put on your seat belt, turn on your headlights and start out slowly to get a feel for the road conditions.
Accelerate gradually and test your steering and braking ability.
Don’t use cruise control. You’ll need to be in charge of your vehicle.
Keep your driving motions slow, smooth and steady.
Avoid any rapid or jerky steering actions.
Don’t hit the brakes hard when stopping. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal. You’ll feel a pulsing in the brake pedal as the car adapts to the road and handles braking for you as long as you keep your foot on the brake. If you don’t have ABS, then pump the brakes gently.
Widen following distances.
When roads are icy, stay back from the car ahead of you. You’ll need to maintain at least double, maybe three times the normal driving distance to be able to stop your vehicle.
Slow down.
The American Safety Council recommends drivers slow down to half the posted speed when driving in bad weather, but drive at a speed where you have control of your vehicle and your tires have traction. When roads are icy, there’s no such thing as a safe speed.
Since you’ll need extra time to stop and to turn, plan on slowing down at least three times sooner than you would under normal driving conditions.
Watch for black ice.
When it’s cold but roads are clear, be aware of black ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded or low-lying areas – anywhere where standing water or run-off may have frozen.
You may be able to see the shininess of black ice under certain lighting conditions, so be sure to keep your headlights on to help make the glossy areas visible.
Handing a Skidding Vehicle
If your vehicle starts to skid, try to regain control by following these steps.
Don’t panic.
Ease your foot off the gas pedal if you skid while accelerating or off the brake if you skid while stopping.
Gently adjust your steering to straighten the vehicle.
Turn the steering wheel in the direction you’re going – if you’re drifting to the right, turn the steering wheel to the right, and if you’re skidding left, turn the steering wheel left.
If you’re unable to get your vehicle straightened out and moving forward, then try to steer it away from impact.
Move it off the road onto the shoulder, breakdown area or median.
Place the vehicle in park and remain inside until help arrives.
Driving on ice is tough, no doubt about it. But if you can’t avoid driving during rough weather, take a deep breath, slow down and stay alert.
After spending his secondary years of study at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, G Turner Howard III earned his BA at Tulane University. A member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, he received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Before becoming an attorney, he earned a Master’s and Doctor of Divinity at Andrews Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army in Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience, his firm has helped clients receive millions of dollars for personal injury, and in many cases, much faster than they ever expected.
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