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Tips for Winter Driving

You should always drive safely according to the weather conditions, regardless of whether the road has been gritted or not.

Your Vehicle:

• Clear the windscreen and all windows of frost and ice.
• Don’t set off until the heater has demisted all the inside glass.
• Carry a de-icer spray in the vehicle. Stop (in a safe place) and use it if necessary.
• Add low temperature screen wash to the water bottle.
  

Your Journey:
Set off earlier to allow for:

• Slower speeds.
• Possible hold-ups due to accidents.
• Possible single lane traffic on dual carriageways due to snow.
• Keep a longer gap than usual to the vehicle in front. Especially when there is ice or snow on the roads.
• Brake and accelerate more gently on wet, snowy or icy surfaces.
• Use your dipped headlights in mist, fog, falling snow or heavy rain.
• Use your rear fog-lights in fog, mist or falling snow BUT NOT IN RAIN and turn it off as soon as conditions allow.

Check that:

• All lights and indicators are working and clean.
• All tyres have a good tread depth (the legal minimum is 1.6mm) and are at the correct pressure.
• The battery is in good condition (most winter breakdowns are electrical). 

You:

• Give yourself time to prepare your vehicle before setting off.
• Driving in adverse conditions can be extremely tiring- be prepared to take extra breaks during your journey.
• Ensure you have ‘outside’ clothing with you in case you have to get out of your vehicle.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users- you share responsibility for their safety. 

Give yourself time and space- arriving safely should be your aim- achieve it!