Posted on December 15, 2009 by Fiona Hilliard

With snow flurries expected to hit the UK this weekend, there’s no time like the present to swot up on some safety tips for winter driving…

Always remember:  If you’re planning a trip on the road and the weather has taken a turn for the worse, check online/TV/radio reports for updates before you leave and stay at home if conditions are very bad.

 
• Eat before you embark on your trip in case snow or floods hold you up.

 

• Plan your route carefully – main roads/major roads are more likely to have been gritted.

 

• Make sure you have your mobile phone (and it’s charged).

 

• Avoid using hot water to clear windows.  This can cause them to crack.  Carry a can of de-icer and a plastic ice-scraper in your car.

 

• If you’re going on a long journey and the weather is particularly cold, take along some snacks and a hot drink to keep up energy levels.

 

• Keep to a steady speed on slippery surfaces and avoid sudden braking and acceleration.

 

• Keep your distance. Remember that stopping distances are 10 times longer in icy or snowy conditions.

 

• Never drive through water unless you know that it is shallow enough for your car. Always drive slowly if you must drive through water.

 

• If you are driving through snow, stop at regular intervals to clear the windscreen, fog lights and number plates.

 

Written by Fiona Hilliard

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About the Author:  Fiona likes to travel – especially to cities. Her favourites include: New York, London, Copenhagen, Madrid and Lisbon. Just don't mention budget airlines, baggage restrictions, airport security queues…

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