Tips for winter driving

Winter is a busy time for breakdown companies, insurance call centres and casualty departments. Drivers often have to contend with ice, fog, snow, salt spray and low sun all in a single journey. According to RSA, staying safe on the roads in winter is a matter

of good preparation, good vehicle maintenance, the right knowledge and the right attitude.

Have a full service before winter starts and have the anti-freeze tested

Keep tyres properly inflated. Make sure you have the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm

Check that your lights are clean and working Always keep the windscreen and windows clean and the

washer bottle filled with screen wash Carry winter essentials in the car: cloths, spare washer

fluid, anti-freeze, glass cleaner, ice scraper, de-icer and torch.

In really bad weather, put a blanket, Wellington boots and a shovel in the boot

Your car

Make sure you know and understand the hazards and risks of driving in all types of weather conditions - especially ice, snow and fog - before you venture out   

Always fully clear your windscreen and side windows of ice and condensation before driving off - NEVER merely clear a small 'porthole' in the windscreen  

Always reduce your speed on slippery surfaces. Avoid harsh braking and acceleration   Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front

in poor conditions. Allow up to TEN TIMES the normal distance for braking, especially on motorways

Driving

In snow, stop frequently to clean the glass area, the wheel arches, the lights and number plates

If your driven wheels get stuck in snow, move slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can If you get caught in a snow drift

Don't leave the vehicle Let help come to you Don't run the engine to keep warm

Driving cont’d..

Listen to the weather broadcasts and only travel if absolutely necessary when really bad conditions are forecast

Eat a good breakfast when you know you will be travelling in bad weather and carry spare food and drink in case you are snowed in

Stop every two hours, if you can, for fresh air and hot drinks

Keep your vehicle well ventilated. Driving with the car heater full on can make you drowsy

Journeys