Winter driving conditions

Emergency kit

It's always sensible to keep an emergency kit in the boot even if all looks OK when you set out!

Ice scraper and de-icer
Torch
Warm clothes and a blanket
A pair of boots
First-aid kit
Battery jump leads
A shovel, if it's likely to snow
Food and a warm drink in a flask for particularly cold weather

Winter sun?

Don't forget, dazzle from the low winter sun and UNCLEAN WINDSCREENS can be dangerous. Use a good screen wash and carry a pair of sunglasses

Make sure that you, your vehicle andyour goods ARRIVE SAFELY at your destination. Listen to weather reports and warnings and don't set off unless you are prepared.

Make safety checks and alterations to your vehicle to allow for the weather.

Winter driving tips

Different weather consitions present different driving hazards and British winters are not at all predictable. If you must drive in poor conditions, it is important to be prepared. The undernoted are just a few topis for coping with whatever the British winter has to offer.

As the winter progresses it is likely that you will encounter some flood water. If you can't take a different route:

Do not cross if the water appears too deep. If there are already a lot of abandoned vehicles up to their axles in water, TAKE THE HINT - there's a good chance you won't make it either.
Avoid the deepest water, which is usually near the kerb.
Drive at a slow steady speed, the bow wave you create at the front of the vehicle should be as small as possible, but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch – this will stop you from stalling.
And remember – test your brakes once you have driven through before you normal driving.

If you have to travel in snowy or icy conditions:

Drive slowly, allowing extra time to slow down and stop and increase the gap between you and other vehicles. Remember – it can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road.
Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
When cornering approach the corner at a steady speed using as high a gear as you can and be gentle with the accelerator, don't use the clutch unless you absolutely have to and steer as smoothly as you can.
To brake on ice and snow without locking your wheels get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently. REMEMBER – all but the most gentle braking will lock your wheels on packed snow and ice. If you do get into a skid, ease of the accelerator, but do not brake suddenly.
If you do get into a skid, ease of the accelerator, but do not brake suddenly.

HGV drivers - high winds

If you drive an HGV always listen to advance warnings and avoid dangerous conditions wherever possible. When planning your route, note any locations that might be particularly exposed to high winds, such as:

High level bridges
Exposed viaducts
Exposed stretches of roads

Driving in fog

Fog presents one of the greatest hazards particularly as an accident involving just one vehicle can very quickly involve many vehicles.

DRIVE WITH LIGHTS ON LOW BEAM. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more creating a 'white wall' effect. Your lights help other drivers see your vehicle, so be sure they all work. Keep your windscreen and headlights clean, to reduce the glare and increase visibility.
SLOW DOWN - and watch your speedometer - before you enter a patch of fog. Be sure that you can stop within the distance that you can see to be clear. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding. Remember - most fog-related traffic fatalities occur because someone was driving too fast and couldn't stop in time to avoid a collision. In addition, studies show that some drivers acclimate themselves to foggy conditions and unconsciously increase their speed over time.
WATCH OUT for slow-moving and parked vehicles. Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little, to hear better.
REDUCE THE DISTRACTIONS in your vehicle. Turn off the radio and cell phone. Your full attention is required.
USE WIPERS AND DEFROSTERS liberally for maximum visibility. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if poor visibility is due to fog or moisture on the windscreen.
If you leave the road, be sure to pull off completely. Turn off your driving lights and turn on your flashers so others know you're there but won't think you are driving on the road.