Winter Driving

Safer Driving Tips Whatever The Weather

Make sure you can see. Ensure

• your windscreen and all windows are clear and unobstructed.
• your windscreen wipers and washers are working effectively.
• your washer bottle is topped up with screen wash suitable for the time of year.
• all lights and indicators are clean and working properly.

Make sure you can be seen:

• If the visibility is poor during the day through heavy rain, snow, fog or mist, you must turn on your headlights so that your vehicle can be seen.
• If the visibility is seriously reduced turn on your rear foglights, but remember to turn them off when the visibility improves.

Get to grips with the road surface:

• In wet and freezing conditions the grip between your tyres and the road is severely reduced.
• Make sure your tyres (including the spare) have plenty of tread depth, are in good condition and are inflated to the correct pressure.

Driver Fatigue and Stress

• Driving in normal weather conditions can be tiring and stressful and regular breaks are recommended.
• However, in adverse conditions fatigue and stress can be increased and therefore more breaks may be required.

Avoid those breakdowns - make sure

• your vehicle is well maintained and serviced and is protected from the elements as far as possible
• the battery is in good condition, topped up and fully charged

Keep alert and

• watch your speed - drive with regard to the road conditions and the speed limit.
• be aware that in poor weather conditions it may be difficult to read information on road traffic signs.
• avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
• maintain a safe stopping distance at all times, remembering to increase this in wet or icy conditions.
• watch out for other road users - motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

and observe the Highway Code