Driving in bad weather
Friday 8 January 2010
During the winter, you may have to drive your car in wet and icy conditions. Here are some ways to make sure you keep safe whilst on the roads.
Plan your journey
In bad weather it can take much longer to get anywhere so try to plan ahead and give yourself some extra time.
Your car could take a lot longer to warm up as well, so add an extra five minutes for that. Don’t zoom off straight away; you’ll probably stall before you even get out of your driveway.
Whilst you’re waiting for your engine to warm up, do a quick check around your car. Have a look at your battery, windscreen wipers, brake lights and indicators to make sure they’re all working okay.
During an emergency
Unfortunately cars break down at lot more during bad weather. In case of an emergency AA recommends that you keep these essential items in your car:-
- An ice-scraper
- A torch
- A first-aid kit
- A blanket
- Jump leads
- A warning triangle
Don’t forget extra clothing to keep you warm too - a pair of socks, a jumper or a warm pair of boots should do the trick. Raid your house for an old blanket or rug, this will help in case you get stuck in snow.
Against the elements
Snow and ice
You need to take extra care when the roads are snow-filled and icy. Always clear snow from your roof and windows before you start driving as it could fall on to your windscreen whilst you’re driving.
Once you’re on the road, stay well behind the car in front. When the roads are icy it can take up to 10 times longer to come to a stop. Press the brake gently when you need to slow down. If you press too quickly you might skid across the road.
In extreme conditions your rug could come in handy if you ever get stuck in snow! The trick is to straighten your steering wheel, clear any extra snow from your wheels, then put the rug directly in front of the front wheels to give your tyres some extra grip. You should then be able to move off easily but you might need a new rug!
Wet weather
If you’re driving in wet and icy conditions make sure your tyres are pumped up and that they are not worn down. This can cause skidding. Remember to always carry a spare as well.
If you ever break down during heavy rain then never open your bonnet. You might end up soaking your engine which means it will take even longer to start up again.
Extreme wet weather can sometimes cause flash floods in certain parts of the country. When the weather is this bad you probably shouldn’t be on the road. If you need to be though, always drive slowly and steadily. You could face a big fine and between three to nine penalty points if you are caught by the police speeding through a flooded area.
Foggy weather
According to the Highway Code, you should use your headlights when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less. In extreme weather you could also turn on your front or rear fog lights. Don’t forget to turn them off though, they can dazzle other drivers.
Sometimes in fog, it can be quite difficult for drivers to notice when they have reached a junction which might mean they make sudden stops. Always keep a good distance between you and the driver in front.
