What behaviour increases the risk of skidding on icy road surfaces?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
A. Maintaining too high speed, particularly in bends.
Explanation
On an icy road, the risk of skidding is increased by keeping too high a speed, especially in a bend - the answer is A. The centrifugal force in a bend grows with the square of the speed, and grip on ice is very low; a car that would take the bend without any problem on dry asphalt leaves its path on ice. In the photo you can see a snow-covered junction with a curve and wheel tracks worn into the snow.
Driving at a constant speed (B) and driving in second gear (C) are not risky in themselves - what matters is whether the speed is suitable for the conditions. The Road Traffic Act requires you to drive at a speed that allows you to keep control of the vehicle, taking into account the condition of the road, visibility and the weather conditions. In winter you slow down before a bend, not while you are in it.
Legal basis: Art. 19 para. 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)