Avoiding A Winter Of Discontent: Off-season Minibus Driving Tips

Driving a minibus in foul weather conditions is sometimes unavoidable

. This is especially so should winter weather close in unexpectedly mid-journey. Given that, in all but the most extreme conditions, a minibus will cope and deliver its passengers in perfect safety, a few winter driving tips are appropriate. Applying them, together with a little common sense, will see even unseasoned travellers reaching their destination.

The first aspects of winter driving concern the minibus itself. In addition to the usual checks, it makes sense to ensure that the vehicle has suitable, non-freezing fluid in its screen wash bottle. Acquire a scraper, and some cloths, or a chamois leather, to deal with snowbound or iced up windows. Carry a can of de-icer (just in case) and keep a good torch and a reflective waistcoat or jacket, in the cab.

In essence, the problems of winter driving share two common denominators, visibility and grip. More accurately, it is the relative lack of these that causes problems and we can deal with each in turn.

Loss of visibility in winter can be due to several conditions. Rain-streaked glass means that you won't be able to see as well out of a minibus at any time of year. Add a measure of road grime, snow or ice and the problem is made more serious. While using windscreen washers and wipers is obvious, it's wise to clear any such debris off the glass before even considering driving. The same goes for the inside of the windows. Cold, wet conditions spell condensation especially with a full passenger count. While it may be tempting to let the minibus's demister and heated rear screen do the job, it's better to clear all glass before setting off. The same goes for the external lights' lenses - grime accumulates quickly and makes a significant difference to the light output.

While on the road, it is crucial to drive within the limits of vision. This works on a simple basis: if you can't see it, you won't be able to avoid it. So tailor your speed to suit the conditions, especially in fog. Also remember that fog droplets build up on a windscreen so leave your wipers to run on their intermittent setting, or use flick-wipe periodically. The natural tendency to drive too closely in fog can be overcome with that old standby, the two-second rule. It's better to apply a three or four-second rule, depending on your speed but remember that the vehicle you're following is punching a hole through the fog for you. Don't get too close.

A similar rule applies as regards lack of grip. Modern tyres are excellent but, without studs or chains, a tyre loses varying amounts of grip on snow or ice. As above, the solution is to drive within the limits of the available grip. Remember that black ice can lurk in areas yet to receive winter sunlight. Black ice at night can be still more dangerous. A road surface sparkling in the headlights is a good clue and it's significant that tyres on ice make no sound. If the wet road swishing or tyre rumble fades away, lift off the accelerator and slow down.

Above all, drive with finesse; clumsy control inputs cause skids. Drive within the lower limits imposed by the conditions and you'll arrive safely. Ignore the above advice and you may not arrive at all.

by: Louise Slee

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