SNOW and ice can make driving a difficult task but there are things drivers can do to make their journeys a little easier – not to mention safer.
Prepare your car before driving
Make sure you check over your car before setting off for your journey.
Windscreens can get dirty in winter conditions so having your screen wash topped up is a must.
Keep an emergency winter kit
No driver plans to break down but it happens and often at the most inconvenient times.
It’s best to keep an emergency kit in the car just in case, especially if it’s dark out and temperatures have plummeted.
It’s also worth keeping de-icer in the pack so you have some ready for those frosty mornings.
Check your tyres
Most drivers will tend to forget to check their tyres, but this could be a costly mistake, particularly during the winter.
If your tyres aren’t up to scratch, you’re more likely to skid on the roads – and you could also get a fine.
In the UK and Europe, tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, as experts recommend 3mm.
Having less than 1.6mm or bald tyres can get you a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre – that’s £10,000 if all four are bald.
You could also get three penalty points added to your licence.
While most areas in the UK don’t get Arctic conditions, if you are concerned then it could be worth investing in winter tyres.
Keep your car clean
A car’s licence plate needs to be kept readable at all time.
Plates have to be clear enough to be read by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
If they aren’t readable, drivers could find themselves with a £1,000 fine.
Check your plates, and if they are covered in snow or dirt, give them a clean before driving.
Drive smoothly
Driving in snow and ice can reduce a drivers grip to the road.
If you suddenly jerk, this can cause your car to lose its grip and control on the road.
Causing an accident due to careless driving, even in bad weather conditions, can see a driver fined.
Motorists can be slapped with an “unlimited” fine and a three to nine-point penalty.
Keep at a distance from other drivers
Keep a good distance between yourself and the driver in front.
If you need to suddenly stop, it can take longer to stop on snow and ice than on normal road conditions.
Be wary when driving on hills
When driving on hills, it’s best to avoid stopping on them when it has been snowing or is icy.
If you think you may have to stop on the hill, either wait at the bottom or the top before travelling further to avoid needing to stop.
Go slowly when driving up and down hills, and keep control of your car at all times.
Brake gently
Braking heavily can make the tyres lock, which means you have less control and could risk a crash.
Before heading out onto the snowy roads, check our seven do’s and don’ts before driving.
