Tips For Winter Driving 21st Dec 2009

Snow and ice during the cold snap are creating difficult driving conditions.

Road safety officers are advising motorists to be prepared by making simple checks on their vehicles and to carry the right kit before they set out. Once on the road drivers are being urged to drive within the conditions and to leave plenty of time for the journey.

Advice for motorists:

Check your vehicle:
• Check that you have the right amount of anti-freeze in your radiator.
• Keep lights in working order and clean.
• Check tyres for correct pressure and good tread.
• Make sure your wipers are in good condition.
• Top up screen spray bottles with a winter screen wash mixture.
• Clean your windows.

Make sure you’ve got the right kit:
• Ice scraper and de-icer.
• Torch.
• Warm clothes and blanket.
• First aid kit.
• In really bad weather take a hot flask of drink and some food.

Drive for the conditions:
• Rain, snow and ice cause handling problems and extend stopping distances by up to ten times longer.
• Drop your speed and leave a good gap between you and the vehicle in front.
• In fog use dipped headlights.
• Use your rear fog lights only in visibility of less than 100m.
• If you skid don’t brake sharply, turn the wheel into the direction of the skid and when the vehicle straightens bring it under control.
• Be aware that strong winds can affect high-sided vehicles, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.

Watch out for salt spreaders and snow ploughs:
• Flashing amber beacons indicate that these vehicles are at work.
• It is generally best to stay well back because salt is thrown across the width of the road.
• Don’t overtake these vehicles unless you are absolutely certain that it is safe to do so.

The most important thing is to be prepared and think ahead. If the weather is really bad then delay your trip or make alternative arrangements for travel.

For information about road salting and snow clearing click here