How to Drive on Snow and Ice

Prepare Yourself

To learn how to drive on snow and ice, I suggest you try practicing in an empty parking lot. Do not drive during bad winter conditions unless necessary.
If you absolutely have to drive, here are a few tips:
Be Prepared:

Be in the right frame of mind.
Don’t allow any distractions.
Make sure your clothes don’t restrict movement.

Starting in Snow:

Clear all snow and ice from the entire vehicle.
Clear a path in front of the wheels for about several feet.
When more traction is needed, use traction mats, sand or salt.

Driving on Slippery Surfaces:

Gently apply pressure on the accelerator when starting.
If your wheels start to spin, let up on the accelerator until traction returns.
When approaching a hill, observe how others are reacting and keep far enough behind the vehicle ahead so you won’t have to slow down or stop.
Minimize braking on icy hills. If further speed reduction is needed, gentle braking is recommended to avoid skidding.

Steering:

If a skid should develop, DON’T PANIC, DON’T BRAKE and don’t jerk the steering wheel. Learning how to drive on snow and ice is really about learning to keep your cool.
To regain directional control, look to where you want to go and make smooth, precise steering movements.

Braking Without Antilock Brakes:

Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use your toes to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal just short of lockup, the point at which the wheels stop turning.
If the wheels lock up, use heel-and-toe action to release brake pressure one or two degrees then immediately reapply it with slightly less pressure.

Braking With Antilock Brakes:

When you put on the brakes hard enough to make the wheels lock momentarily, you will typically feel the brake pedal pulse back against your foot.
Do not pump the pedal or remove your foot from the brake. The system is working as it was designed to work.