Nobody like driving in the snow, even the most experienced driver! Here are a few tips to make driving in snowy and icy conditions a little safer.
- Make sure your car is well maintained, plan your route, ensure you have plenty of fuel and a fully charged mobile phone
- Make sure all the windows are clear of snow, properly de-iced and de-misted before you set off. Use Air Conditioning for faster demisting and to reduce condensation on cold windows. Also ensure the windscreen washer bottle is topped up, and contains the correct ratio of screenwash to ensure maximum cleaning and to prevent it freezing
- Clear snow from the roof as well as the windows. Snow piled up on the roof can fall onto the windscreen whilst driving, obscuring your view and can also be a hazard to other road users
- Dazzle from the low winter sun can be a particular problem, so wearing sunglasses will reduce the glare
- It takes up to 10 times longer to stop in snowy and icy conditions so don`t drive too close to the car in front and watch the road ahead!
- SKIDDING is the greatest danger. Drive carefully, with smooth gentle application of the accelerator, steering and particularly brakes! If your vehicle skids, avoid harsh braking! Gently lift off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid. If braking is then necessaary, use gentle braking as ABS is not as effective in snow and icy conditions
- Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheelspin
- Watch your speed and remember that cyclists and pedestrians, as well as other vehicles, will be less visible
- Be aware of Black Ice! Even if the sun is out and you`re nice and warm in the car, if it`s below freezing outside there is still the chance of black ice. This is most commonly found in areas shadowed from the sun, such as in shadows cast by trees and buildings, so take particular care especially on corners
- Don`t be afraid to turn back if you think the conditions are too treacherous!
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