The "correct" way they claim is to be in high gear and to not brake. Which is just wrong. Starting your car in 2nd instead of 1st is certainly not going to be any better or easier, in snow or not. And as for not braking? Short bursts is the way to do it. Its when you lean on the brakes that the wheels slide. If you just do short bursts you keep the car slow enough to handle (providing you're not tailgating) and prevent the wheels from locking and sliding on the ice/snow.
Seeing as how I've heard this "correct" version from multiple people over here, I'm pretty sure its what some bureaucrat came up with as the "correct" way to drive in snow and therefore is learnt off by heart by all irish drivers.
The starting in a high gear thing is something you have to memorise for the theory test. As I understand the theory, it's supposed to force you to move away slowly and avoid spinning the wheels. I've no idea how it works out in practice.
I've heard the "don't brake" thing too, I think it's an over-simplification of avoid harsh braking and don't brake hard while skidding. ABS seems to change those rules too.
Comments 3
I'm curious what the correct and "correct" ways are?
Reply
The "correct" way they claim is to be in high gear and to not brake. Which is just wrong. Starting your car in 2nd instead of 1st is certainly not going to be any better or easier, in snow or not. And as for not braking? Short bursts is the way to do it. Its when you lean on the brakes that the wheels slide. If you just do short bursts you keep the car slow enough to handle (providing you're not tailgating) and prevent the wheels from locking and sliding on the ice/snow.
Seeing as how I've heard this "correct" version from multiple people over here, I'm pretty sure its what some bureaucrat came up with as the "correct" way to drive in snow and therefore is learnt off by heart by all irish drivers.
Reply
I've heard the "don't brake" thing too, I think it's an over-simplification of avoid harsh braking and don't brake hard while skidding. ABS seems to change those rules too.
Reply
Leave a comment