The Institute of Advanced Motorists has issued advice on driving in snow and ice as freezing conditions can spread across the country this Christmas.
Peter Rodger, IAM chief examiner said: “Avoid travelling unless completely necessary, and don’t ignore police warnings or advice to not travel on specific routes. Can you work remotely, or change your schedule?”
If staying at home in the warm is not an option, the IAM offers the following advice on driving safely through this period:
- Make sure your windows are clear and that you have all-round visibility before you set off. Also take the time to clear snow off the roof of your car
- When driving in snow, get your speed right – not too fast that you risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum when you need it
- Start gently from stationary, avoiding high revs. Stay in a higher gear for better control, and if it is slippery, in a manual car move off in a higher gear, rather than just using first
- If you get yourself into a skid the main thing to remember is to take your foot off the pedals and steer
- Only use the brake if you cannot steer out of trouble. Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front so you are not relying on your brakes to be able to stop. It simply may not happen!
- It’s better to think ahead as you drive to keep moving, even if it is at walking pace
- Plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted. Avoid using short cuts on minor roads – they are less likely to be cleared or treated with salt, especially country lanes and housing areas
- Bends are a particular problem in slippery conditions – slow down before you get to the bend, so that by the time you turn the steering wheel you have already lost enough speed
- On a downhill slope get your speed low before you start the descent, and do not let it build up - it is much easier to keep it low than to try and slow down once things get slippery
And if the worst does happen:
- Keep track of where you are. If you do have to call for assistance, you need to be able to tell the breakdown or emergency services your location, so they can find you
- If you must leave your vehicle to telephone for assistance, find a safe place to stand away from the traffic flow. If you have just lost control the next driver could well do the same in the same place
- On motorways and dual carriageways it is always better to leave your vehicle and stand a short distance behind and to the safe side of it. Don’t stand in front of it if at all possible. Balancing the risks of a collision and hypothermia is something that depends on your situation
