Winter weather in the UK is famously unpredictable. Severe weather conditions can appear unexpectedly and pose significant dangers if you’re unprepared. Prioritize your safety by following these winter driving tips to reduce the risk of accidents.
Plan Ahead for Winter Driving
- Check Weather Forecast and Road Conditions: Always verify the weather forecast and road conditions before setting out. Consider alternative routes if necessary. For the latest weather updates, visit Met Office.
- Clear Your Car Windows Properly: Allocate extra time to thoroughly clear both the inside and outside of your windows. Ensure you have de-icer and an ice scraper.
- Pack Essential Items for Long Journeys: When traveling long distances or through remote areas, pack additional warm clothing, blankets, a torch, a shovel, a bottle of water, and suitable footwear.
- Keep Your Mobile Phone Charged: Always ensure your mobile phone is fully charged before traveling.
- Clean Footwear and Pedals: Make sure your footwear and pedals are clean before driving. Consider bringing an extra pair of shoes specifically for driving.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Ensure your windscreen and lights are clean, your wipers are in good condition, and your screen wash is suitable for winter weather.
- Conduct a Winter Weather Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks associated with winter weather conditions and create a comprehensive policy to mitigate these risks. For expert guidance, consult with your Health and Safety Consultancy or read our post on DIY risk assessments.
Safety Tips During Your Journey
- Reduce Speed in Bad Weather: Drive slower in adverse weather conditions to stay safe.
- Increase Stopping Distances: Increase the gap between your vehicle and the one in front, as stopping distances are longer in wet and icy conditions.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Avoid sudden acceleration and braking to maintain control of your vehicle.
Driving on Icy Roads
- Use Winter Tyres: If available, use winter tyres to improve grip on icy roads.
- Drive at a Safe Speed: Drive at a slower speed than you might think necessary. At 30mph (48km/h), you’re traveling 30 feet (9 metres) every second.
- Be Wary of Black Ice: Don’t assume the road is gritted. Watch for black ice and observe how other road users are managing.
- Handle Slides Properly: If you hit ice and start to slide, take your foot off the accelerator immediately, avoid braking hard, and steer gently into the slide.
- Accelerate and Brake Smoothly: To reduce the risk of skidding, accelerate and brake smoothly.
- Exercise Caution on Bridges: Be extra cautious when crossing bridges, as they are prone to black ice.
Driving in Fog
- Use Dipped Headlights: In foggy conditions, drive slowly using dipped headlights and increase the distance between vehicles. Use fog lights if visibility is seriously reduced, but remember to switch them off when visibility improves.
- Avoid Following Taillights Closely: Don’t follow the taillights of the car ahead too closely.
- Avoid Sudden Acceleration: Fog can be patchy and can return quickly, so avoid sudden acceleration.
Dealing with Winter Sun
- Reduce Glare: Keep your windscreen clean to reduce glare from the winter sun. Ensure sun visors are in good working order and keep a pair of sunglasses handy if needed.
Key take away
Winter weather is unpredictable, and conditions can change suddenly. If you must drive, make sure you are prepared for the conditions. During the winter months, hazards such as flooding, frost, black ice, sleet, snow, fog, and strong winds are more common. Adjust your driving style accordingly and be mindful of the impact on cyclists and motorcyclists. Always watch your speed and ensure you leave enough space to brake safely, especially in residential or untreated areas. Avoid using hot water to clear ice from your windows, as it can cause them to crack. Be aware of changing road conditions, even on treated roads, as ice can still form. Stay safe and drive carefully!
For more detailed safety advice, consult with your