Winter Driving

There are 3 basic principles: Drive safely – Look after your vehicle – Watch out in low winter sun.

Drive Safely: It is easy to forget the risks we take whilst driving, especially if you are in a rush to get to your destination. It is just not worth it, especially when winter weather increases the dangers to you, your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Driving safely in winter can be as simple as sticking with the basics:

 

• Allow time to demist your windscreen and clear all vehicle windows to ensure you have full visibility before setting off.
• Drive and brake to suit the weather conditions.
• Allow enough distance between you and other road users.

Did you know that stopping distances increase by up to 10 times in the snow and ice?

Look after your vehicle: It is easy to think that because your vehicle has been running fine up until now, that nothing needs doing to it before winter sets in. Although, something as small as low tyre pressure can have a huge impact on your ability to stop in an emergency. So, always be prepared.
Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter by carrying out these simple checks:

• Tyre pressure (refer to the vehicle manual).
• Tread depth.
• Wipers (make sure that they effectively clear the screen).
• Windscreen washers (check they are working, and fluids are topped up.
• Lights (check they are all working and clean).
• Engine coolant (check level of anti-freeze).
• Keep de-icer, an ice scraper and warm hi-vis clothing in your vehicle.

Watch out in low winter sun: The low winter sun can dazzle even the most confident and experienced drivers. The glare can easily impair your vision and cause you to miss signs and lights, or pedestrians crossing the road. If you can’t see very well, chances are that other road users can’t either. To help avoid the dangers of low winter sun:

• Reduce your speed or stop all together.
• Wear sunglasses in bright sunlight.
• Make sure your windscreen and all vehicle windows are clean, both inside and out.

Did you know sun glare has contributed to an average of 28 road deaths per year in the UK since 2010. This includes pedestrians.