Do you realize that there is a common misconception that a lot of individuals believe and that is…
A four wheel drive vehicle has better traction under slippery road conditions. And that because of this some think that it is okay to drive faster.
Well let’s look at this from a different perspective.
Even though a four wheel drive vehicle does have better traction because of extra drive axles, under slippery conditions they still only have 4 sets of brakes on their vehicle, same as a regular passenger vehicle. So the fact that they have more traction does not mean that they better traction and can stop under slippery conditions any faster than an ordinary vehicle. If fact because 4 wheel drives are usually heavier than ordinary vehicles this helps to give them the added traction that other vehicles don’t have. However when a person thinks that they can stop any quicker under slippery conditions they are mistaken.
Actually it has quite the opposite effect because of centrifugal force. The added weight traveling at higher speeds is harder to stop because the weight of the vehicle is pushing them forward with more force than that of a lighter vehicle. So safe driving is determined not by the vehicle that one drives but by the driving habits of the person driving the vehicle.
The safest way to drive under slippery conditions, is to slow down considerably and stay well behind any vehicle in front of you. Be prepared to stop well before you get to a stop signal. If these things are practiced, you will have a much better chance of getting home the next time you head out under these conditions.
