The weather can change drastically in the winter months and you need to be prepared in order to keep yourself and other road users safe. Adverse weather and longer periods of darkness make driving more hazardous, which in turn leads to an increase in risks on the roads.
Due to this, you have to make sure that you adjust the way you drive to suit the conditions.
Snow driving tips UK
There are a number of top hints and tips you can follow to make your journey safer in winter, and these are:
Avoid Driving
- If possible, avoid driving in snow and other treacherous conditions
- Never leave when it's snowing heavily or is forecast to snow, and avoid other bad conditions like heavy rain, ice or fog.
- Consider public transport
- If you drive to work, try to make arrangements to work from home (particularly if you live in a rural area)
Be Prepared
- Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained through an up-to-date MOT, regular services and regular checks by yourself.
- Check your tyres to make sure they are in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm.
- Make sure there is anti-freeze in your radiator and windscreen washer bottle.
- Keep an ice scraper and de-icer in your vehicle.
- Pack a winter driving kit in case of an emergency. This might include a torch, cloths, a blanket and warm clothes, food and drink, a first-aid kit, a spade, a warning triangle and a high-visibility vest.
- Always have a well-charged phone in case of any emergencies
- Check the weather forecast in advance and plan your journey
Careful, Cautious Driving
- Slow right down and only travel at speeds you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
- Maintain a safe space between you and the vehicle in front. If you haven't, increase it to as much as 10 times as you normally would, then do so immediately.
- Be extra vigilant for people and hazards.
- Stay in control and avoid harsh braking and accelerating or sharp steering
- Take corners very slowly and steer gently and steadily to avoid skidding. Never brake if the vehicle skids; instead, ease off the accelerator and steer slightly in the direction of the skid until you gain control
- Use lights accordingly – fog lights are used in foggy conditions, dipped headlights are used when visibility is reduced, etc.
