What can be a consequence of braking too hard on ice?

Braking too hard on ice can lead to a loss of traction, which prevents the snowmobile from maintaining grip on the slippery surface. When traction is lost, the snowmobile can begin to slide uncontrollably, increasing the risk of an accident. This is especially critical on ice, where the lack of friction can cause the snowmobile to lose directional control, making steering difficult.

In contrast, increased stability and safer stopping distance are not outcomes associated with hard braking on ice, as they typically imply better control and handling, which would be compromised in such conditions. Likewise, a quicker response time would not be applicable in this scenario because hard braking can result in a delayed reaction to regain control after a slide has occurred. Hence, the primary consequence of hard braking on ice is indeed the loss of traction leading to a slide, necessitating careful and gradual braking instead of abrupt stops to maintain control and safety.