subject: 10 Winter Driving Safety Tips [print this page] If you drive in winter, you will be aware that road surfaces can be hazardous, especially if they are covered in snow and ice. It is best not to drive at all when conditions are bad, but if driving is essential, then takenote of the following 10 winter driving safety tips.
1.Never go out until the snow ploughs and/or gritters have done their work or the roads could resemble a skid-pan. Always allow extra time to reach your destination and remember that your safety in wintry conditions is much more important than punctuality.
2.Drive slowly and allow yourself plenty of time to stop, particularly at junctions and traffic lights. Allow at least three times more space between you and the vehicle in front than you may normally do.
3.Brake gently to avoid skidding, and if your wheels start to lock, ease off the brake. Use low gears to keep traction, particularly on hills.
4.Keep your lights, windscreen and roof clear of snow and ice, as much as possible, and always carry a can of de-icer in your car.
5.Turn on your lights to increase your visibility. If you are travelling in fog, only use your fog light if visibility is down to less than 100 metres. Always carry a fully-charged mobile phone with you and listen to weather reports on the local radio, to give you a clue of what lies ahead.
6.Be especially careful if you are travelling over bridges, B roads, which are not as likely to have been treated as the motorways and A roads. Even when temperatures are above freezing, you could still encounter ice in shady patches of the road so always slow down and be vigilant.
7.Never pass or overtake a snow plough or gritting/salting truck, as drivers of these vehicles have limited visibility, and you are likely to find the road ahead of them worse than the one behind.
8.Never assume your vehicle can handle all conditions, as even four wheel drive and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble in snow and ice.
9.If your rear wheel skids, steer in the direction that you want to go in. Try not to panic and slam on the brakes, as this can cause more problems. If your front wheels skid, take your foot off the accelerator and shift to neutral, and dont try to steer immediately.
10.Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car, and pour sand, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels to help you get traction if you are stuck.
When driving in snow or ice, stay in a high gear if possible, as this will reduce the chances of accelerator movement, which can cause your vehicle to skid. Pay close attention to the road surface if you are travelling on a motorway or dual carriageway, and dont be tempted to move to the outside lane if it has a covering of snow, as most accidents happen on this part of the road.
If you have suffered injury after an accident on the roads which was not your fault, contact a regulated personal injury solicitor who will help you make a claim for compensation. If you use ano win, no fee solicitor, you wont have to pay a penny, and you should receive 100% of the compensation.
