What action can help reduce skidding on icy roads?

Reducing skidding on icy roads hinges on maintaining control and stability of the vehicle. Accelerating and braking gently helps achieve this by allowing for smoother transitions in speed that do not overwhelm the traction available on icy surfaces. Sudden changes in speed or direction can disturb that delicate balance and lead to loss of control, increasing the likelihood of skidding.

When you accelerate gently, you allow the tires to maintain their grip on the road without breaking loose, which is vital on slippery surfaces. Similarly, gentle braking ensures that your vehicle comes to a stop without locking the wheels, which can also cause skidding. This controlled approach is essential for maintaining steering ability and preventing slips caused by abrupt maneuvers.

In contrast, quickly accelerating, braking suddenly, or steering aggressively can all contribute to skidding since they increase the chance of losing traction by modifying the vehicle's speed and direction too abruptly for the conditions. Therefore, gentle acceleration and braking in icy conditions is a crucial strategy for safe driving.