What type of braking is recommended without ABS brakes in icy conditions?

Pumping the brakes is recommended without ABS brakes in icy conditions because it helps to prevent the wheels from locking up and ensures better control of the vehicle. When driving on slippery surfaces, such as ice, applying continuous hard braking can cause the wheels to lose traction completely, leading to a skid. Pumping the brakes intermittently allows for the tires to regain traction in between brake application, which is crucial in maintaining steering control and stability.

Using the emergency brake only is not advisable as it can cause the rear wheels to lock up and might lead to a loss of control. Continuous hard braking creates the risk of skidding in icy conditions, while simultaneously braking and accelerating can be counterproductive as it may further destabilize the vehicle, making recovery difficult. Thus, pumping the brakes emerges as the safest technique for maintaining control on icy roads.