Driving in severe weather conditions, such as driving on ice can tax the most experienced of drivers. In the winter months, it is vital that all motorists follow tried and tested safety procedures to ensure their own safety and the wellbeing of other motorists on the road.
The Met office issues advice and severe weather warnings and we recommend that motorists regularly check weather reports and updates, particularly if they are planning to drive long distances or to remote areas in poor weather conditions. Visit http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
In the event of a severe weather warning, it is wise to postpone travel by car if possible. If your journey is essential, you need to ensure that both you and your car are adequately prepared to cope with the road conditions ahead.
Driving safety tips
Whether you're on a motorway, dual carriageway, or B-road, driving through a town centre or rural area, reducing your speed is the golden rule. Remember, that when driving on ice, or in snow or heavy rain, your stopping distance can be ten times longer. Therefore, it is vital that you ensure that all your manoeuvres, such as braking, steering and accelerating, are gentle and controlled.
As traffic movement will be slower, it is also wise to allow extra time to get to your destination, even if it is your usual commute to work or the school run.
Key tips:
- Poor weather can also dramatically reduce visibility even in the daytime. Switch on your headlights so you can see and be seen.
- But don't blind other drivers with your fog lights, only switch them on when visibility is very low.
- Leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front of you to allow you more stopping time.
- Accelerate slowly. Pulling away in second gear is a safe way to increase your amount of wheel traction.
- Continue to drive in low gears to help maintain traction, especially on hills, and use gears to restrain speed on downhill sections rather than using your brakes.
Car maintenance
Essential car maintenance doesn't stop at the all-important MOT. It pays to book your car in for its service to check your engine and brakes are in tip-top condition well before the worst of the winter weather strikes. Also ensure that you:
- Regularly check the tyre pressure.
- Keep your oil and water topped up at all times.
- Keep the windscreen washer topped up with washer fluid and the wiper blades clean.
- Keep your car clean: all windows as well as the windscreen and headlights must be grime-free for maximum visibility.
- Get any chips on the windscreen repaired: what looks like a tiny chip could leave you with a shattered windscreen en route.
Essential In-car kit
It is not only wise to drive in warm, comfortable clothing - be aware that long coats can be cumbersome and restrict your driving - but store extra supplies, too. Pack a blanket, waterproofs, wellies or walking boots -in the event of a breakdown and you have to leave the car to seek assistance you'll be glad you were prepared. Similarly, you should also pack a hot drink in a secure thermos flask and a supply of food - especially important if you're travelling with children.
Motorists who regularly drive long distances, on country roads or travel at night, should also invest in a reflective jacket and a reflective emergency triangle and keep them in the boot.
You could also store some of the following in the boot of your vehicle:
- a torch
- a spare tyre
- snow chains
- a spade
- a bag of grit
- jump lead
- de-icers
Stay tuned in
It's never been easier to obtain news updates when on the road. However, it is also advisable to plan your trip carefully and be prepared: If you're travelling somewhere for the first time, plan your route in advance.
- Take a road map as well as using sat nav. In the event you breakdown, this will help you identify junctions and landmarks, which will assist breakdown services in finding you quickly.
- Ensure that your mobile phone is fully charged before you set off.
- Also take a stash of change for pay phones just in case you find yourself in an area with no mobile phone signal.
- Add your Zurich Connect breakdown cover membership number and 24 hour helpline into your phone contacts for speedy access.
- Also tune your car radio to a local station for regular weather and traffic updates.
- Always tell someone where you are heading and estimated time of arrival if you are driving long distances to rural areas.
