Weather in the UK is unpredictable, bad weather can strike suddenly so the best advice when severe weather hits is to stay off the road. If you must drive, make sure you are prepared for the conditions.
You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. You may also use front or rear fog lights when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet), but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads this is because your tyres have less grip on the road.
In winter it is even more important to check your vehicle is well maintained and serviced.
- Keep the lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow.
- Keep your battery fully charged.
- Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles.
- Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order.
- Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure.
- You should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.
- If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
- Rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen.
- Be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery.
- Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders
- Don’t attempt to cross water that seems too deep
- If you have to then drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch – this will stop you from stalling.
- Avoid the deepest water, usually near the kerb.
- Remember – test your brakes when you are through the flood before you drive at normal speed.
High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.
In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.
Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word ‘Fog’ is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.
Ice and snow
- Use your lights as required.
- keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Rear lights can give a false sense of security.
- You must be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster.
- Use your windscreen wipers and demisters.
- Beware of other drivers not using headlights.
- Do not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you.
- Check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down.
- Stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.
- Do not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
Before you set off:
- You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.
- You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.
- Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly.
- Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.
- check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.
When driving in icy or snowy weather:
- Drive with care, even if the roads have been treated.
- Keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.
- Take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle.
- Watch out for snowploughs which may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared.
- Be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances.
- Listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead.
- Carry a spade, extra warm clothing, a blanket, a snack and a drink - especially if you are travelling through isolated areas.
Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control. You should:
- Drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently.
- Drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions.
- check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.
If you get in trouble do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make a call.
On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone, because the breakdown/emergency services will be able to locate you easily. If you have a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder.
Abandoned vehicles can hold up rescue vehicles and snowploughs. To ensure that the road is cleared as quickly as possible, stay with your vehicle until help arrives. If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you.