Winter presents its own unique challenges to drivers. From freezing temperatures, snow showers, frosty windows, to dark mornings and evenings, there’s plenty of potential hazards that motorists need to be ready for. So here’s our advice for car owners as the temperature falls.
Take your time
Rushing is one of the last things you want to be doing when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Therefore, plan the journey before leaving and allow plenty of time to get to the destination.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and avoid driving if it looks particularly bad, unless the journey is absolutely necessary.
Prepare the vehicle and yourself
It’s essential that the vehicle can cope with adverse weather conditions, and there are some simple, but important, things to remember. This includes checking the tyres, battery, wiper blades and fluid levels, such as oil, anti-freeze and screen wash.
It’s also sensible to make sure the car is equipped with a first aid kit, a warning triangle, a spade, de-icer, a scraper and jump leads. Other items to include are a blanket, plus some food and drink.
Practise driving skills
Another way to be prepared is to improve driving skills in a controlled environment that will teach how to recover a skidding car in wet, icy or snowy conditions.
This can be done on Skid Pan Experiences with expert instruction, with packages ranging from taster sessions through to 1:1 training lasting two hours. While the skills learnt are important, the experience is taught in a fun and friendly manner.
Other advice for safer winter driving
Tune in to travel information bulletins and updates on road conditions on the radio as they will help inform if driving is advisable, or if it’s better to postpone.
It almost goes without saying, but if venturing out then drive at a sensible speed, allowing a safe stopping distance behind the vehicle being followed.
Meanwhile, drive in a smooth manner, which means avoiding, where possible, harsh braking, accelerating and steering, while keeping an eye out for other road users including motorbike riders, cyclists and pedestrians.
Stay focused
Stay alert as possible behind the wheel by stopping for breaks every couple of hours, plus keep the vehicle properly ventilated to help avoid tiredness.
If it turns bad and the car gets stuck, then it’s sensible to stay with the vehicle until assistance arrives, rather than abandoning it. However, if the only option is to leave the vehicle, then make sure to wear a high visibility jacket.
Winter driving at its best
Of course, driving in winter isn’t all bad. It’s a time of year that offers majestic scenery, from snow capped mountains in Scotland to rolling landscapes in the south.
It’s also the season for visiting family and friends at Christmas and New Year, so take it easy on the roads and stay safe.
