Winter Driving
With winter well and truly upon us, there are a number of things you can do to stay safe and informed. We've put together a set of tips and useful information to help keep you, your vehicle and others as safe as possible.
When the weather is extreme:
- Do you need to make that journey?
- If you do, make sure your vehicle is maintained and you're prepared.
- Adjust your driving to the prevailing conditions.
Planning
If you wake up to severe weather, or difficult conditions are
forecast, think about whether your journey is essential before
setting off. Is your workplace closed? Can the appointment be
moved? Is the school closed?
If your journey is essential, think about the safest way to travel to work. It's not advisable to drive when conditions deteriorate unless absolutely necessary.
Be prepared
Before you set off on your journey, make sure you are fully
equipped with warm clothing, food, a torch and a spade (in case you
get stuck) and that you check the weather forecast and travel
information. If possible, tell someone at your destination when you
expect to arrive.
Vehicle maintenance
During the winter months, good vehicle maintenance is particularly
important. Always make sure your:
- Battery is fully charged.
- Tyres have plenty of tread and are at the right pressure.
- Wipers and lights work properly.
- Antifreeze and screenwash are topped up.
Drive safely
Always drive at a speed suitable to the conditions. Did you know
that stopping a vehicle in icy and slushy conditions can take ten
times longer than on a dry road?
Driving carefully, sticking to the highest possible gear to
avoid wheel spins, and taking care when braking (getting into a low
gear first) will all help you drive safely.
Whilst on the road, take care around winter maintenance vehicles,
keeping a safe distance behind salting lorries and snow
ploughs.
Other Wintry Driving Considerations
It's not only snow that affects journeys during the winter period. Road users should also adjust their driving and be mindful of the increased risk of:
Low Sun: Glare is often an issue during the winter months. Be prepared by having ready access to sunglasses and making sure your windscreen is clean inside and out.
Floods and Standing Water: Avoid it if you can - do you know how deep it is? Ensure your brakes are working once you're through if you've had to drive through water.
Fog: Drive at a speed that allows you to stop in the distance you can see clearly. If there were a broken down vehicle on the other side of the fog bank, could you stop in time? Use your headlights and fog lights correctly and ensuring you don't dazzle other drivers.
