1. PLAN YOUR JOURNEY DURING WINTRY WEATHER CONDITIONS –
If your journey isn’t absolutely essential don’t take the risk
Check the local and national weather forecasts and listen to local and national radio for travel information.
Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.
Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch in snowy conditions, take a spade.
Clear and de-mist your windows and mirrors before you set out and carry a windscreen scraper and de-icer.
2. KEEP YOUR VEHILCE IN GOOD CONDITION
In winter it is even more important to check that your vehicle is well maintained and serviced.
Keep the lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow.
Make sure your battery is fully charged
Add anti-freeze to the radiator and a winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles.
Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order.
Check that tyres have a minimum of 2mm tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure.
3.ADJUST YOUR DRIVING TO THE CONDITIONS.
Driving in low visibility on icy or wet roads requires a very different driving style. There are some simple steps you should take to ensure your safety when exposed to the different driving hazards.
In low visibility When driving in hail, heavy snow or rain, use your dipped headlights and reduce your speed.
When roads are icy or slushy
It can take ten time longer to stop so drive slowly allowing extra room to slow down and stop.
When accelerating use the highest gear possible to prevent your wheels from spinning.
Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.
To brake without locking your wheels use a low gear earlier than normal so your engine will smoothly reduce your speed and use your brake pedal gently.