News Article

Driving in Icy and Snowy conditions

Before driving in the winter, you should check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. If your journey is not essential you should not drive in these conditions.

Where you journey is essential you should take great care and allow more time for your journey and take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.

Before setting off

• you must be able to see clearly, make sure you have cleared snow and ice from all your vehicles windows
• you must ensure that your lights are clean and that your number plates are clearly visible and legible
• make sure your mirrors are clear and that your interior windows are completely demisted     
• any snow that might fall off your vehicle into the path of other road users should be removed
• check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather conditions are predicted.

When you are driving in icy or snowy weather

• drive with care, even if the roads have been treated
• as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads, keep well back from the road user in front  
• take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle
• watch out for snowploughs as they may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared
• be aware that road conditions can change over relatively short distances.
• listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide information about the weather, road and traffic conditions ahead of you.

To avoid loss of control, you should drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy and avoid sudden actions.

• accelerate and brake very gently
• drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible
• on bends, where loss of control is more likely, you should drive particularly slowly. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions
• check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.

Drive carefully and stay safe this winter.

 

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