In Brabant, heavy snowfall causes quite a few problems on the road. With the harsh winter conditions and the risk of slippery conditions, it is important to pay attention to those who still have to hit the road. This way you get home safely, even if there is snow on the road.
Driving slowly is the motto for those who encounter winter precipitation along the way. “The rule of thumb is: halve your speed and double the distance to the vehicle in front. Just like you do in fog. Those extra meters give you and the person behind you more time and space to respond to unexpected events,” ANWB advises.
Always wise, but especially in a winter mood: look far ahead. And accelerate slowly when you are standing still. “Give little gas and release the clutch gently. Do all your actions calmly and with care: steer evenly, do not brake abruptly and do not enter bends too sharply,” advises the ANWB.
Brakes
Anyone who has ever taken a skidding course knows that it is important to brake properly when it is slippery. In the event of an emergency stop, it is important that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) works properly. Then the car brakes as much as possible, without the wheels locking, so you can just keep steering. “The ABS only works at maximum braking pressure, when you continue to press the brake pedal all the way to the bottom. So do not ‘pump’ the brakes. Do not be alarmed if the brake pedal starts to vibrate under your foot and you hear strange noises. That is normal.”
The ANWB has a whole page with them all tips about braking. Be sure to read it before you hit the road.
Winter tires
Do you already have winter tires under the car? On the right track. But that does not mean that you can drive on a slippery road with those tires without any problems. Even with winter tires on the car, the advice is: drive carefully. “Winter tires naturally have a shorter braking distance than summer tires. When you drive fast, this effect is completely eliminated,” says the ANWB.