What happens to the stopping distance in icy conditions?

In icy conditions, the stopping distance increases significantly due to the reduced traction between the vehicle's tires and the road surface. On icy roads, the friction that normally helps to slow down the vehicle is greatly diminished. As a result, it takes much longer for a vehicle to come to a complete stop compared to driving on dry or wet roads.

In fact, under icy conditions, stopping distance can increase dramatically—potentially by up to ten times or even more, depending on the severity of the ice and the speed of the vehicle. This extended stopping distance is crucial for drivers to consider, as it highlights the need to adapt their driving behavior by reducing speed and increasing the following distance to maintain safety. Proper understanding of these dynamics is essential for safe driving in winter weather conditions.