Tips for Driving on Ice and Snow

By Alana Burton

Following recent winters in which winter weather seems to have caught many people "napping" when it comes to being prepared, it is important to take a number of points into consideration such as having the right equipment in the car, the way we drive and equally as important as being vigilant as to the way other people drive.

Be Prepared

Make sure your car has adequate levels of antifreeze, ideally get it checked in October, don't wait for it to get cold!

1. Have a blanket or warm clothing in the car just in case you are stranded, this is particularly important if you are planning to travel long distances, it is even recommended that you have some food and a warm drink in your vehicle just in case.
2. Even though not compulsory, however, a sensible suggestion is to carry a set of warning triangles like they do in the continent, if you happen to break down, it is always a good idea to warn people that your stranded vehicle may be posing a hazard ahead.
3. Tow rope, this is an important bit of kit if you happen to become stranded and you need to be assisted by a third party vehicle.
4. Other suggestions are to carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and a spare set of bulbs. Many of these items are compulsory whilst driving in the continent and when you stop to think about it, it makes a lot of sense, just because it is not law, it does not mean we can't use our own initiative.
5. Having a set of jump leads in the car makes a lot of sense too, in very cold temperatures and particularly older vehicles, batteries tend to struggle, a set of jump leads will help avoid expensive call outs or having to wait for a rescue vehicle to come.

Driving on snow

Driving on snow is not rocket science, it takes a little more thought and concentration, remember that you MUST increase your braking distance as well as the distance from any car ahead of you, stopping distance can be up to TEN times longer than on dry roads.

Try and keep momentum going, especially if you are driving up hill, as soon as you lose momentum, you will find it very hard to get started again.

Remember to exercise extreme caution first thing in the morning if it's been a very cold night, snow will more than likely have turned into ice, now ice is a totally different problem and is much trickier than driving on snow.

Rule 229 of the highway Code: Before you set off, make sure that your car is clear of all snow and ice and that you have full visibility out of all windows in your vehicle, this includes your mirrors too, also, make sure that your number place is legible and that you clear any snow on the roof of your car which may come off onto other road users.

Always remember to exercise extreme caution, under extreme weather, if your journey is not strictly necessary, stay home!

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