When roads freeze and ice coats the pavement, the real danger isn’t just the cold—it’s the lack of stabilization systems, powerful rear‑wheel drive machines, worn tires, and heavy trucks that can turn a routine drive into a hazardous ordeal. This perspective comes from Vitaly Kabyshev, who leads the Stability Control Driving Academy and serves as the head instructor. He explained to socialbites.ca that drivers of such vehicles must exercise heightened responsibility, while other road users should stay especially vigilant around them on winter streets.
“The most perilous vehicles in these conditions are those without stabilization systems or with malfunctioning ones. In particular, rear‑wheel drive cars demand continuous attention from the driver to manage their inherently unstable behavior on slick surfaces. Front‑wheel drive vehicles lacking a stability system can reach higher speeds more easily, which amplifies the risk,” Kabyshev noted to socialbites.ca, underscoring how the absence of electronic aids can magnify danger on icy roads.
This caution is especially relevant for domestic VAZ models and older foreign cars that lack modern active safety features. He also pointed to examples of heavy, high‑power vehicles such as those with V8 engines and rear‑wheel drive layouts, like the Dodge Charger or Challenger, which can become especially treacherous on slippery terrain.
“Unlike Canada and parts of Scandinavia, replacing trucks with winter tires is not common in Russia, largely because of the cost involved. Given the price, I would steer clear of such machines during winter conditions,” Kabyshev emphasized, highlighting a practical reality that many drivers face when road conditions deteriorate.
Another critical factor, he warned, is tire condition. On ice and snow, the state of the tires becomes the most decisive element in vehicle behavior. The quality of the rubber and its degree of wear directly influence grip and steering response.
New tires typically feature a tread depth of about 8–10 millimeters, but as tread depth falls to 4–5 millimeters, the tires lose a substantial portion of their performance. At that point, the sipes wear down, and the tire’s ability to bite into ice and mud diminishes markedly. Kabyshev summarized that worn tires significantly degrade traction, making careful inspection and timely replacement essential for winter driving safety.
In related commentary, former lawyer Sergei Radko spoke with socialbites.ca about how fines are issued for disregarding road signs during snowfall, reminding drivers that winter rules extend beyond speed and acceleration. These observations collectively emphasize the increased need for cautious, rule‑abiding driving when winter conditions prevail, especially for vehicles with less stability control or compromised tires. (Source: socialbites.ca)