Advice on coping with bad weather when driving. Driving in severe winter conditions poses many challenges.
Here is some advice on how to prepare yourself if you have to make a journey or encounter bad weather:
- check for snow on the roof of your vehicle before driving off – it can slip down over the windscreen and obscure your view
- when driving in snow, make sure you are driving at the right speed – if you drive too fast, you risk losing control of the vehicle
- if your tyres are making virtually no noise, this could mean you’re driving on ice
- if you start to skid, the important thing to remember is taking your foot off the pedals and steering – if you brake suddenly, you could skid further
- in falling snow, use dipped headlights to make yourself visible to others
- plan your journey on busier roads as they are more likely to be gritted
In case you get stuck in the snow, always pack the following:
- warm clothing
- food, such as chocolate or biscuits
- water
- a hot drink
Don’t forget to take a fully charged mobile in case you need to make an emergency call for help.
See also:
Defrosting motorists given car insurance warning
Advice to motorists during ‘big freeze’
