On the weekend of January 24th, a major winter snow storm passed through Dallas, Texas, sending down layers of sleet and snow. However, as the temperatures the following days fluctuated around freezing point (32℉), roads became covered in layers of dangerous ice and snow. While most schools, including BHA, declared the following days to be snow/asynchronous learning days, many students and staff were still forced to drive on the icy roads for other reasons. Because of the recent weather, it’s urgent for members of the BHA community to know how to safely drive on icy roads in case of an emergency or important matter during the winter season.
First and foremost, the Texas Department of Transportation emphasizes the importance of driving slowly and cautiously. According to the website, “speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter conditions.” Due to the layer of ice on the road, friction is significantly decreased between vehicles and the road, reducing traction. This means that there is a dangerously high risk of your car sliding as you lose control over the motion of the vehicle. While it might be tempting to rush the drive and steer at normal speeds, our safety is paramount. Additionally, the Department instructs drivers to be extra cautious on “bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas, as they tend to freeze first.” It would be ultimately better to avoid routes with such infrastructure, but if unavoidable, make sure to be extra cautious driving over such areas.
The Department also advises maintaining at least three times the following distance you would in normal conditions. Unfortunately, Dallas is ranked 6th by Forbes for “Top 10 cities with the worst drivers.” This means that even if you know how to drive on icy roads and are doing everything right, there’s still a chance that the car in front of you could get you involved in a dangerous situation. For this reason, it’s important to maintain a large distance between yourself and other cars for everyone’s safety, as tiny mistakes on icy roads turn lethal. BHA parent Mona Ibrahim adds to this, advising that, “drivers shouldn’t immediately move at a green light; to be a defensive driver on icy roads, it’s important to expect that people coming from the perpendicular direction might not be able to brake in time and will therefore speed across the intersection even when you have right of way.” She brings up a good point; defensive driving is of the utmost importance on roads in such weather conditions, and we should always expect and be ready to react to another person’s mistake.
For cars without Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), it’s a good idea to practice pump braking, which involves rapidly applying and releasing the brake pedal to prevent skidding and losing control of the car when coming to a stop. Make sure not to stomp on the brakes, and to start pump braking from a longer distance than you would in normal conditions. However, for newer car models with ABS, this technique isn’t necessary as the car will automatically perform this function, and it’s best to just firmly press the pedal. In the event that you do lose control of the car, the Department advises drivers to “ease off the gas pedal or brakes.” They also mention steering “into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction,” then straightening your vehicle. In situations like this, remain calm, react quickly, and prioritize safety over everything else.
Icy weather in Dallas may be rare, but that just makes it all the more important to educate ourselves on how to drive on icy roads to avoid accidents and stay safe. Taking the time to drive slowly, stay extra alert, and learn the different techniques of breaking on ice could just be the reason a calamity is prevented.
Make sure to make careful and safe choices on the road, and stay warm this winter!
