What are Tips for Driving in Wintery Weather Conditions?

Like having to drive in heavy traffic, the prospect of driving in snow and ice can be a source of some concern to newly qualified drivers and experienced motorists alike. It is always more dangerous to drive in unusual conditions, especially if you are unsure of how your car will handle in these circumstances. There are a number of precautions you can take to reduce your probability of getting into trouble during wintery weather conditions.

Tips for Snow and Ice

Firstly, if it is possible, do not drive at all in the snow and ice, particularly if you have never driven in these conditions before. Any car will handle very differently than usual in such circumstances. If you can take the opportunity, it would be a great idea to get to a large car park filled with snow and practice within this contained environment with someone to supervise your progress. You will then get a good feel for how your vehicle should handle on the roads under snow and ice conditions.

If you must drive in the snow, try to wait until the roads have been gritted, which should make it easier for you to control your car as you drive. In addition, try to allow yourself extra time to get to your destination, and plan your journey so that you use mainly the busier roads. Busier roads are more likely to have been gritted than smaller country lanes, so you are less likely to get into trouble if you stick to those.

Make sure than your lights are on to improve your visibility to other drivers. If the weather conditions are particularly bad, you may have to put on your fog lights, especially if there are pedestrians crossing the road you are driving upon. However, if you have switched on your fog lights, and conditions start to improve, remember to switch them off as they can dazzle other motorists and thus cause accidents.

You will find yourself driving much slower than usual in the snow and ice, which is a good thing. But try not to go too slow as you may lose momentum when you need it. If you find yourself going into a skid, take your feet off the pedals and try to steer. You should only be using your brakes if you find that your car does not respond to your steering. However, your brakes may not work if the surface of the road is icy.

While you are driving, you need to keep further away from the vehicle in front of you than you normally would. The recommended distance is about three more car lengths than usual. This is because it takes longer to stop in the snow and ice, and also because your ability to see hazards is restricted due to the wintery weather conditions. But do not depend on the lights from the vehicle in front of you to judge your distance, as you may get too close.

Finally, if your car breaks down and you get stuck in the snow, you need to be prepared beforehand. Make sure that you have an emergency snow kit in the car for these winter weather driving conditions. This should consist of a blanket and warm clothes, some food and water, and a mobile phone in order to tell people that you are stuck. If it is possible, you should try to get your car off the road so you will not cause an obstruction, but this is not always possible. Keep your lights on to improve your visibility and, if you can, drape something brightly coloured over your car so that other people can see you.

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