Winter driving tips
With winter almost upon us now in the UK -although some would argue we are still waiting for the summer! - its that time of year when it starts to get dark earlier with the added hazard of slippy conditions cuased by rain, sleet or snow. Be aware that 50% of driving accidents occuring at night happen on wet roads! 90% of problems could be avoided altogether with good preperation. Its not rocket science, winter is coming so make sure that you and your car are up to the challenge. Some of the tips are really obvious, however every winter I see people completely unprepared and are just accidents waiting to happen.
How can we minimise the risks of winter driving?
- Be prepared - make sure you have de-icer and a decent scraper for those cold morning starts, dont be one of those people you see rushing around trying to clear winscreens with credit cards and starting out their journey peering through a postbox gap - not only is this dangerous its also illegal! Get car serviced prior to cold weather paying special attention to battery and cooling sytem (low antifreeze levels in coolant can ruin your engine). Check all lights and indicators, make sure your windscreen washer bottle is full with correct mixture of water and washer fluid. Finally make sure tyres are at correct pressure and that you have plenty of tread on them to keep traction on slippy roads. If you know in advance -whether from experience or weather warnings - that there is going to be heavy snowfall and you still need to drive, then consider buying a set of snowchains for more grip. Carry blankets, chocolate and water in the car in case of breakdown or accident. Always keep your fuel tank well topped up in winter.
- If you are driving on roads that are covered in water, snow or ice, then your stopping distance will increase greatly. Even in good weather many people leave insufficient stopping distances so in winter conditions you have to be extra generous when estimating stopping distance required - at least double the distance for a very wet road. To avoid losing traction in snow or ice drive as smoothly as possible, no sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements. If the vehicle does lose traction and begin to slide then take your foot of the accelerator and do not touch the brakes - this will only make the skid worse! try to correct the skid using mild steering inputs until car is travelling in right direction.
- Despite all the warnings, you are more likely to encounter an accident in winter time than any other. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident, then stay calm, report to Police (unless minor damage with no injuries), make sure your vehicle is visible to other drivers giving them plenty of time to stop or take evasive action, place warning triangle, if you carry one, to give other drivers advanced warning, if vehicle is undriveable contact recovery service ASAP.
For further information on winter driving techniques check out the RAC winter driving pages , the AA’s driving tips and the UK deprtment of Transport