With snow having bought treacherous driving conditions to parts of the country, a leading road safety organisation has issued some important tips for motorists to follow.
IAM RoadSmart has called upon drivers to avoid the roads where possible in extreme weather, however where the travel is essential it is important to plan the journey thoroughly. Consider the conditions en route, and try to avoid less-used roads or country lanes which may not have been gritted is the advice from the experts.
Ensuring the car is properly prepared for extreme weather driving is vital. All windows and mirrors should be cleared fully before setting off, and any snow piled on the roof and bonnet should also be removed to prevent it blowing onto your own or other drivers’ screens while travelling.
Starting the car gently and avoiding high revs, selecting a higher gear than normal to avoid wheel spin in icy conditions, should ensure you begin your journey in a safe manner. Judging the correct speed for travelling in snow requires extra care – too fast and you’ll risk losing control, too slow and you’ll risk losing momentum when faced with a slope. Allow extra distance between yourself and the car in front as stopping distances will be greatly increased by icy roads. Slow down before reaching a bend, this will reduce skid risk and allow you extra reaction time for any hidden hazards as you go around. Allow time to slow down before you begin turning the wheel.
Stay safe if you break down on a motorway or dual carriage by exiting your vehicle and standing safe to side of it when waiting for help, ideally behind the nearside armco. Avoid standing in front of the vehicle.
“Many of the problems associated with travel during snow could be avoided if people planned in advance”, says IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving and Riding Advice, Richard Gladman.
“People routinely travel with only the minimum of safety equipment, without realising their journey could be a lot longer than expected. At the very least you should have a shovel, torch, blanket, jump-leads and tow rope. You should ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, and the number of your recovery organisation is saved into it. A bottle of water and a snack may also prove useful and don’t set out without knowing the locations of petrol stations on your way. This all might sound obvious, but too many of us forget to do any of this. Don’t be one of the ill-prepared, and listen to the weather forecast for the whole length of a winter journey to help you prepare for it.”
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