Winter driving advice
Police officer checks tyre pressure
Leicestershire Constabulary’s Road Policing Unit is advising people to be alert and to drive according to the conditions during the winter like conditions.
The British winter is unpredictable and bad weather can strike suddenly so the best advice when severe weather hits is to stay off the road. If you must drive, make sure you are prepared for the conditions.
During the winter months motorists and cyclists have to deal with increased flooding as well as frost, sleet, snow, icy winds, icy roads, fog and the usual frozen locks and non-starts.
Even if you are in a 30mph area it may mean you have to travel more slowly because the weather is bad.
One of the biggest causes of accidents during the winter is not the weather but poor driving. The other reason for unnecessary frustrations and delay is not preparing your vehicle and making sure it is mechanically ready for the rigours of winter.
Before setting off on your journey make sure you have performed the crucial checks on your car, especially if kept outdoors and that the vehicle has been recently serviced by experts and deemed safe to drive.
Plan Ahead
- Check the weather forecast, road conditions and consider alternative routes.
- Allow extra time to clear the windows properly and carry some de-icer.
- Ensure that your vehicle is prepared for the journey and has anti-freeze in it.
- Make sure all your lights work and that you use them to see, be seen and be safe.
- Check that all your tyre pressures are correct.
- Make sure you have sufficient windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir.
- Check that your petrol tank is sufficiently full.
- Carry warm clothing, blankets, a torch, a shovel, a bottle of water and suitable footwear.
During your Journey
- Reduce speed in bad weather.
- Increase stopping distances.
- Avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
- Use dipped headlights in poor conditions.
- Take regular breaks.
- Listen to travel bulletins.
- Observe information on Variable Message Signs.
If Stranded
Ensure that your vehicle will not block access (abandoned vehicles can obstruct spreaders) and if possible remain in your vehicle unless there is a safety risk.
Watch out for Fog
- In foggy conditions, drive very slowly using dipped headlights.
- Use fog-lights if visibility is seriously reduced, but remember to switch them off when visibility improves.
- Don't hang on to the taillights of the vehicle in front.
- Don't speed up suddenly, even if it seems to be clearing. You can suddenly find yourself back in thick fog as it drifts rapidly and is often patchy.
Winter Sun
Dazzle from winter sun can be dangerous. If it is below the visor use sunglasses.
Flooded Roads
- Don't attempt to cross if the water seems too deep.
- Stay in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling.
- Drive slowly and avoid areas where the water is deepest, usually near the kerb.
- Remember - test your brakes when you have passed the flooded area before you drive at normal speed.
Icy Roads
- If you do hit ice and feel the car start to slide take your foot off the accelerator immediately , don’t be tempted to brake (this will increase your risk of spinning) and steer gently into the slide.
- The best way to avoid sliding in the first place is to make sure your speed is right, it may need to be slower than you think, at just 30mph you are travelling 30ft every second.
- To reduce the risk further make sure you are very smooth when you accelerate, brake or turn.
