Winter Road Safety
Winter Driving checks
Before you set off… make sure you can see clearly through all your windows and allow plenty of time to get to your destination
It is also a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when to expect you home, so an alarm can be raised if needed.
Before you travel
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Are your Tyres correctly inflated and have plenty of tread? Go to P.O.W.D.E.R Checks for more information on tyre safety.
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Keep the lights, windows and mirrors, number plates clean and free form ice and snow, removing any snow that could fall into the path of other road users
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Add Anti-Freeze to the Radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles
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Never leave your car unattended whilst de-frosting
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It’s a good idea to pack the car with items, such as warm clothes, blanket, shovel, just in case you might need them
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Ensure your mobile is fully charged
Whilst Driving
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Keep a check the weather reports and adapt you're driving, if conditions change
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Remember that snow and ice can increase your normal breaking distance for your vehicle, so leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles, avoid hard breaking, using your gears is a good way to slow down.
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Take extra care on untreated roads. Black ice is impossible to see and can cause serious injuries, it is always better to get there late, than not at all. For more information on driving on ice, go to our winter driving section below.
The Highway Code has further information on driving in icy or other poor weather (external website)
Winter Driving Presentation
This presentation is aimed to look at how drivers can be prepared for winter driving and be safer on the roads during the winter months. The session gives practical tips and advice for winter journeys in your vehicle. The session lasts approximately 20 mins.
