Most winter crashes happen at normal speeds on roads that look fine. These habits matter more than the car you drive.
Where black ice hides
- Bridges and overpasses: they freeze first.
- Shaded corners and north-facing slopes.
- Early morning, and again late afternoon when daytime melt refreezes.
- Anywhere the pavement looks wet but the air is near or below freezing.
Speed and space
- Slow down before you need to: brake on the straight, not in the corner.
- Leave a lot more room: several seconds of gap to the car ahead, more on ice.
- Smooth inputs: gentle on the gas, brakes and steering.
Stopping
- With ABS (most cars): press firmly and hold. The pedal will buzz; that is normal.
- Without ABS: squeeze gently and ease off if the wheels lock.
- AWD and 4WD help you go. They do not help you stop.
If you skid
- Ease off the gas. Do not slam the brakes.
- Look and steer where you want to go.
- Wait for the tires to grip, then straighten out.
Before you leave
- Check the Road and Chains lights for your mountain on Ski Lots.
- Full tank or charge, and chains that fit.
- Clear all the snow off the car, roof included.
- Pack water, a blanket, a scraper, and a phone charger.
Sources: Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Weathering the Storm. Rules change; always follow posted signs and road crews.