Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Avoid driving hazards on gravel roads
Gravel roads present unique hazards compared to paved roads and highways – high speeds and quick maneuvers can be a recipe for disaster.
Here are a few tips to follow when driving on gravel:
- Slow down and drive carefully. Gravel roads may have rough sections and loose gravel that require lower speeds.
- Accelerate gradually and brake slowly to avoid skidding. If you do begin to skid, take your foot off the gas or brake, look where you want to go and steer in that direction.
- Gravel roads often develop tire tracks – drive in the existing tracks. Even if the tracks are in the middle of the road, it is safer to drive in the tracks than to be too close to a deep ditch or a soft shoulder.
- When leaving a paved surface for gravel, slow down. You will also need more time to merge into highway traffic from gravel as your vehicle is going to handle differently when it moves from one surface to another.
- Increase your stopping distance as your vehicle's tires have reduced traction on gravel roads
Remember, you may need to drive below the posted speed limit on gravel roads so you have enough time to react and stop in unexpected circumstances.
For more information, check out our website and watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV.
