A practical how-to guide for driving in winter weather in honour of Road Safety Week.

1. A Guide to Driving Safely in Icy
Winter Conditions
Road Safety Week 2011
November 21st to 27th

2. Plan your Journey
• The weather in the UK can change rapidly, and you should check the
latest weather and road conditions for your area before departing
• Consider alternate routes
o If there is heavy snow, trunk roads will be cleared first and salted
more often
• Allow extra time for your journey
o Depending on conditions, you may need to drive slower than the
posted speed limit
o Be flexible, you may have to divert from your planned route to
avoid fallen trees or road accidents
• For additional safety, tell someone about your journey and when you
plan to arrive, and then check in with them when you do

3. Whenever possible just stay home

4. Check your Vehicle Thoroughly
• Before driving, you should check your antifreeze and screen wash
fluid and top them up if required
o Do not use water to clear a frozen windshield, cold water can
refreeze in minutes and warm water can cause cracks
o Most screen wash has a de-icing agent added in, but you should
check the freezing temperature all the same
• Properly clear any ice and snow that has accumulated on your vehicle
with a brush and scraper (a credit card works too)
o You could be subject to a fine if you fail to clear snow from your
bonnet or roof
o Be sure to clear the nozzles for your screen wash because ice can
easily get stuck there and block the flow
• Check that your tyres are properly inflated and have a deep enough
tread

5. Winter Tyres
• Winter tyres give you more grip and better
handling at temperatures below 7°C than
comparable all-season tyres. They also help you
stop sooner
• When accelerating, winter tyres reduce spin –
they are designed to displace water under the
tyre which allows them to grip better
• If you choose to have them, you should have a complete set because
combining winter and summer tyres can throw your vehicle off balance and
cause you to slide. Winter tyres won’t affect car insurance quotes for most
insurers, but you should check with your insurer first.
• If you’re driving a road that hasn’t been cleared of snow and ice (mountainous
areas where you need more traction), you should be carrying chains just in
case. While using chains you’ll need to slow down to a maximum of 30mph
and take them off when you get to cleared road; there will often be signage
where chains are required
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2LBbUi8Mno&feature=related

6. Pack a Survival Kit
If you do get stuck, there are a few things that will make your
life much, much easier:
• Warm clothing and blankets
• Torch (with extra batteries)
• Food and water
• Cell phone with a car charger
• Shovel
• Rock salt or sand (anything
that you can put under your
tyres for traction)
• Traffic cone and reflective vest
• A good pair of waterproof boots

7. Drive to the Conditions
• It can take 10 times longer to stop on an icy road surface compared to when
conditions are clear
• You need to leave a greater distance between you and other cars to
compensate for the longer stopping times
• Gentle turning, braking, and acceleration means more of your tyre is
touching the road and you’ll have better control
• Icy roads are difficult to distinguish from wet
roads; black ice is usually thin and virtually
transparent and it can linger in shaded areas for
hours
• Glare from the sun reflecting off the snow can be
extremely hazardous. A good pair of sunglasses
combined with the visor will help
• You should avoid stopping on a hill, and leave an
even greater distance between you and other
cars; if the car in front begins to slide back, you’ll
have more time to avoid a collision

8. If you feel like you’re losing control
and are going into a skid:
• DON’T PANIC
• Gear down slowly
• Remove your foot from the gas pedal
• Avoid braking or sudden turning
• Gently steer in the direction you want to go until
you start to regain traction, then gently accelerate

9. Slow Down and Drive Carefully