Driving Safely in Winter Weather – Top Tips
Date: 16 December 2023
Be prepared before you travel
- Check the weather forecasts and traffic warnings
- Plan your route – use major roads that are more likely to be cleared of ice and snow, allow extra time to get to your destination, factor in regular breaks if you have a long journey
- Check your petrol and don’t risk driving with a low amount, in case of delays
- Clear snow from the car roof, so that it doesn’t fall onto the windscreen
- Ensure your windscreen is clear of snow, ice and is fully demisted
- Don’t drive if you’re unwell or taking medicine that could make you drowsy
- Don’t drink alcohol and drive – be aware if you’ve been drinking alcohol the night before, you may not be sober enough to drive the next morning
- Ensure the car lights are working
- Check and top up anti-freeze
- Check and top up your screenwash
- Ensure you have the essentials in your car:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Fully charged mobile/charger
- Torch/spare batteries
- Details of your breakdown service provider
Also consider taking:
- Warm clothes
- Sturdy footwear
- Hot drinks and snacks
- Shovel
- First Aid kit
- Sunglasses – snow can create glare from the sun
Tips for driving safely
- Drive slowly; stopping distances can be 10 times longer when it’s icy
- Pull away in second gear – gently, to avoid wheel-spin
- If you use your brakes, apply them gently
- Leave plenty of room between other cars
- When driving uphill, leave plenty of room in front so you can maintain a constant speed without the need for changing gear
- When driving downhill use a low gear and try to avoid braking
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