Whether you love it or hate it, winter is closing in with temperatures dropping below zero and hours of daylight reducing. Take a look at this guide that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have provided to keep you safe this winter.
Preparing your car
Preparing for your Journey
Driving in Snow
If you become stuck in snow:
If you become stuck in a snow drift:
Driving in Rain
Rain reduces visibility and increases the distance required to slow down or stop. In rainy conditions you may need twice the amount of space to stop that you would in dry conditions. Make sure you use dipped headlights and your windscreen wipers and use plenty of time to plan your movements.
Aquaplaning occurs when driving too fast through standing water. The tread on the tyres cannot clear the water away quickly enough and the vehicle begins to float on top of the water. When this occurs your ability to brake and steer will be greatly reduced.
Aquaplaning can be avoided by reducing your speed in wet conditions as well as having the correct tyre pressures and tread depth. If you should find yourself aquaplaning, ease of the accelerator and brakes until your speed drops enough for the tyres to make contact with the road.
Avoid driving through the deepest water. This is often found towards the kerbs.
Don’t attempt to drive through flood water if appears too deep.
If you don’t know how deep the water is, find an alternative route.
If you decide to risk driving through floodwater, drive slowly in first gear. Keep the engine revs high by slipping the clutch to prevent the car stalling. Be aware of bow waves from vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.
Once you exit flood water make sure to test your brakes.
Driving in Fog
Driving in foggy conditions is best avoided if at all possible as it is one of the most dangerous weather conditions for driving. An accident involving one vehicle can quickly spiral to involve many others.
Driving with Low Sunshine
During the winter months’ sunshine can cause difficult driving conditions in the same way as poor weather. The angle of the sun in winter can mean it is too low in the sky for your sun visor to help. If you are blinded by glare:
If you must drive: