When stopping on ice with drum-type brakes, what should you do?

When stopping on ice with drum-type brakes, it's essential to use a technique that provides the best control over the vehicle while minimizing the risk of skidding. Pumping the brakes is an effective method in this scenario because it allows for gentle applications of pressure to slow the vehicle down without locking the wheels.

Pumping the brakes helps to maintain traction by preventing the tires from losing grip on the slippery surface. This approach also reduces the likelihood of the vehicle sliding out of control. Instead of applying steady pressure to the brakes, which could cause the wheels to lock up and the car to skid, intermittent pumping allows for better communication between the tires and the road.

In contrast, abruptly braking can lead to a loss of control because the sudden stop can lock the wheels. Tapping the brakes lightly might not provide enough stopping power on ice, and coasting without braking could lead to a situation where the driver is unable to slow down effectively in a controlled manner. Thus, pumping the brakes is the safest and most effective method when stopping on ice with drum-type brakes.