Dangers of Winter Driving

The summer is now over (not that we got much of one!) and it is officially autumn. The days become shorter, it becomes darker and the weather becomes colder. All these conditions make driving a lot more difficult, so you need to be prepared before you set off in the winter months. Sometimes it can be hard to adjust from easier summer driving to more challenging winter driving, but with these tips you can keep safe and prepared on the roads this winter.

Before leaving the house in challenging weather conditions you should always stop to consider if your journey is essential. If your journey is absolutely necessary you need to prepare yourself. Consider these things before leaving the house,

•        Check the weather forecast before you leave, if possible take an alternative route to the worst effected areas.
•         Larger main roads will be cleared first, plan to use these when possible.
•         Make sure you are contactable; charge your mobile phone before you leave the house.
•          Make sure you have breakdown cover for your vehicle.
•         Before you leave the house check that you are ok to drive, if you are unwell or tired then you should make alternative plans. You will need to be fully alert to drive in bad weather conditions.

Prepare your vehicle before you set off,

•     Clear any ice or snow from your windows, mirrors and lights before you leave.
•      Check that all lights are working correctly before leaving.
•      Keep in mind that in snowy and icy conditions the braking distance can be 10 times more than usual, so driving slower and giving plenty of time for breaking is essential.

Once you have set off,

•  Driving in bad weather conditions can be more tiring than normal, make sure you have had enough sleep and if you begin to feel tired, plan to make a stop and grab a coffee.
•  Leave plenty of space between you and other cars around you.
•  Try to warm your tires as much as possible; they grip more when they are warmer.
•  Bridges become a lot icier than normal roads, be very careful when crossing them.
•  Be aware that fresh snow gives more grip than compressed snow.
•  Be extra aware of pedestrians and be extra careful when travelling between 4pm and 6pm, school children will still be making their journey home in this time.
•  Make sure someone knows your expected arrival time and that they are able to contact you.
•  If you become stranded you can use the heater inside the car to keep warm.
•  Ensure you have spare clothing to put on if you get stranded.
•  Keep your acceleration and steering smooth.

Things you should keep in the car during harsh weather conditions,

•       At least a litre of water (or other drinkable fluids).
•       Energy bars or other energy foods.
•       Blankets.
•       Scarf, hat and gloves.
•       Waterproof boots or shoes.
•       Mobile phone.
•       Torch.
•       Reflective jacket and reflective warning triangle.
•       Piece of old carpet.
•       Sponge.

One of the most important things to remember when driving in the winter months is to use your common sense, keep to speed limits and be extra vigilant. All of these things will help not only you but other road users too.