Driving Tips
With the forecasts predicting a cold spell the advice to drivers is simple, if conditions are very icy then don’t use your car unless the trip is essential.
“If you do have to make the journey then be more vigilant and adhere to our tips on staying safe on the roads.”
Those tips are –
If you do have to use the car:
Slow down
Leave a much bigger gap in icy conditions
Slow down earlier and more gently than normal for hazards
Use as high a gear as possible to help avoid wheel spin when pulling away from a stationary position
When driving down hill in icy conditions use as low a gear as possible to help keep speed low with minimal braking
When driving uphill, avoid changing gears, maintain a constant speed, and keep a big gap between you and any vehicle in front of you.
Brake and steer gently, if you skid, steer the car into the direction of the skid, i.e. if the rear of the car skids to the left, steer left. Don’t use your brakes.
Check the tread depth of your tyres and that they are in good condition
Check tyre pressure is correct
Check wind screen wipers are in good working order
Check your anti-freeze. This helps control the temperature of the vehicle and will also help to protect it during extreme cold.
Make sure heater/defroster is working, makes you more comfortable but also improves visibility.
Make sure your battery is in good condition
Make sure you have a windscreen ice scrapper in the car
Take good warm clothing and good footwear with you in case you have to abandon your car and walk, make sure you have your mobile phone with you and it is charged in case of an emergency
Warm the car through before setting off
Pedestrians
If a journey cannot be avoided, be extremely careful as snow and ice can make walking on footpaths very dangerous
Wear sturdy footwear – insulated and waterproof with good gripping soles- make sure you are dressed in warm clothes. Take your Mobile phone with you in case of emergencies
Be careful when walking on compacted snow – it may have turned to ice
Take an extra look before you cross the road and do not attempt to cross if there are vehicles approaching – remember snow and ice increases the distance that vehicles need to stop
Be Seen to Be Safe! Visibility is reduced in poor weather conditions so wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch. As children often journey to school in the dark, make sure your child can be seen
Be extremely careful in the vicinity of open water, ponds or coastal piers etc
Never walk on frozen water
In order to protect yourself if you fall, avoid walking with your hands in your pockets