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Winter Safety Driving Tips

Mr Ted’s Winter Safety Driving Tips #StaySafe

 Journey Planning

• Is your journey necessary? If so, make sure to plan ahead.
• Check that your planned route is OK.
• Allow realistic travel times for weather conditions, delays etc.
• Ensure others are aware of your plans, arrival times, destination.

Check your vehicle

• Make sure your car is serviced/well maintained and the battery is good.
• Ensure tyres have good tread depth and are inflated correctly (including the spare).
• Check the cooling system contains antifreeze.
• Check windscreen wipers and washers are working.
• Test vehicles light are working and clean and replace any missing bulbs before your journey.

Weather conditions

• Make sure your vehicle windows, mirrors and lights are clear before any journey.
• Check the local and national TV and Radio for travel and weather information.

Driving in extreme weather

• Make sure to have a full tank of fuel.
• Use the main roads which have been treated if possible. .
• Allow extra time for journeys.
• Drive according to the current weather conditions.
• Reduce speed in poor visibility, where there is snow, or if ice may have formed.
• Use the highest gear to help keep control of the vehicle, avoid braking and acceleration.
• Drive slowly, allowing extra room to slow down and stop.
• Use dipped headlights in poor visibility and snow, so others can see you.
• Use rear fog lights in poor visibility but remember to switch them off when conditions improve.

In case of a breakdown in extreme weather

• Carry a mobile phone if you have one.
• For journeys in extreme weather, make sure to take warm high visibility clothing, a torch.
• If you get into trouble, stay with your vehicle if possible, until help arrives.
• If you do have to leave your vehicle, make yourself visible to other road users.

STAY SAFE!