The Christmas period may be approaching, but that shouldn’t distract drivers from the greater danger posed by roads during the cold winter – when snow, ice, frost and other factors such as glare from the low-lying sun can all make driving more hazardous, especially when it comes to increasing braking times and distances.
If you can avoid driving during adverse winter weather, it may be a safer option to take available public transport to your destination, especially if you are not confident in your ability to drive on slippery roads. If you do choose to drive however, try to leave enough time for gritting lorries and snow ploughs to make the roads as safe as possible, and favour main roads rather than backstreets that are more likely to be hazardous.
Getting to grips with driving in snow and ice can take some time and experience, and one of the best ways to gain this experience is to practice various driving manoeuvres in car parks during these conditions, making sure you are aware of any potential hazards. The most important things to bear in mind when driving in the winter are decreasing your speed and keeping a greater distance from the car in front, as this will greatly reduce your chances of being involved in a collision. When braking, you should also apply pressure gently to avoid your wheels skidding.
Many parts of your car are sensitive to decreased temperatures, and you should carry out thorough checks before making any long distance journeys, as well as take steps to winter-proof your car during the autumn, to make sure it’s ready to handle freezing conditions. Your tyres are a key area to focus on, and may require replacing with specialised winter tyres or even fitting snow chains, depending on your location and the conditions of local roads. By making improvements to your car to keep it as safe as possible in all seasons, you will be able to reduce the risks of your being involved in an accident. Similarly, although it pales in comparison to the severity of an accident, doing so could also lead to reduced car insurance premiums.[NM1]
Slippery roads aren’t the only danger presented by the winter period of course, and visibility can also be a major issue, requiring headlights to be kept in good condition and used earlier in the day – especially during snowfall and fog. You should be especially cautious when driving over bridges and overpasses, which are more likely to have frozen over even if main roads are clear, and switch off cruise control to give you greater control over your car at all times.
The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Admiral. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.
