Image by freefotouk via Flickr
It’s no secret that roads become far more hazardous during the winter months in many countries around the world. With road surfaces coated in snow, ice and frost it’s vital that motorists drive with extra care and attention whilst travelling in these conditions. If you have driven in icy conditions before you will notice the severe difference in the stopping distance and handling capabilities displayed by your car whilst driving on slippery surfaces, so with that in mind let’s look at some of the things you can do to stay safe behind the wheel this winter.
Before you get into your vehicle this winter, be sure to take all the extra precautions you can to ensure your car is ready to tackle the cold and frosty conditions. Winter wiper blades ensure that your windscreen will remain clear and able of giving you maximum visibility from inside the vehicle in extreme conditions; this is a great first step towards preparing your car for sleet and snow. Check you tyre pressure regularly, tyres have a tendency to lose air pressure during freezing conditions and will reduce grip and overall handling if left too long. There is a common belief that releasing air pressure from your tyres is a good way of increasing handling in icy conditions, this is not true and a dangerous move to make.
Whilst driving on snow or ice, it’s fair to say driving extremely slowly is a good idea. The cars overall stopping distance in these conditions can increase tenfold, so maintain a slow speed and greatly increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front is a good way of preventing collisions with other vehicles. Use your car’s gears to slow down; the ‘engine braking’ is an efficient way of slowing your car down safely. Using heavy or sudden braking can cause skidding in icy conditions.
If there is thick snowfall, drizzle or sleet then be sure to use your cars headlights’ visibility can be greatly impaired during these conditions and keeping your headlights on helps other motorists to see you clearly.
The most useful tip for avoiding collisions this winter is to stay off the roads; driving for convenience in winter is a risky and unnecessary thing to do. If you cause an accident due to driving without due car and attention in these conditions, you could soon find yourself looking for motoring offence solicitors! If you can avoid using any form of motor transport then do so; even the most experienced drivers to not have a method for controlling a car completely on slippery surfaces such as snow sleet and ice. Only drive if you have absolutely no alternative, and certainly try to avoid lengthy trips on roads and motorways.
This road safety article was written by Daniel Travis – Brown on behalf of Just Motor Law Mototring Offence Solicitors
Related articles
- Drivers urged to use winter tyres (autonetinsurance.co.uk)
- Tips on winter driving from top motoring expert Quentin Willson (etyres.co.uk)
- Fitting winter tyres won’t raise insurance premiums (money.marksandspencer.com)
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