Now that the UK has been well and truly hit by winter weather, we’ve seen this week that this has definitely affected drivers all over the country. By following this driver guide for winter driving, you’ll be that bit more prepared if you have to venture out, and also it’ll hopefully help you stay a bit safer on the roads.

Check the Weather Forecast

If you’re going out on a journey when there is the potential for bad weather, ensure you check the weather forecast in advance. If you know beforehand that there is ice on the roads, wind, or heavy snow, you can be prepared for these adverse conditions. Quite often roads need to be closed and you may have to find a different route to your destination. If you’re a courier or delivery driver, having this information means you'll also be able to notify your customer that there is a chance of you being delayed for either their collection or delivery.

Drive to the Conditions

The importance of driving to the weather conditions cannot be stressed enough. By doing this, you will minimise the risk of having an accident caused by yourself. Smooth braking, smooth acceleration, and smooth turning are essential. The risk of you skidding out of control, crashing, and even killing yourself on snow-covered roads or ice is increased with any sharp actions when driving. Make sure you stay back from the vehicle in front and increase your breaking distance by at least double what it usually would be so you don't end up smashing someone up their rear end.

Pack Sensibly

If you are working in other parts of the country and there’s a possibility you could be away from home for days on end, ensure you have enough warm clothes and underpants with you to get you through the week. Add a blanket, coat, hat, and gloves to your car, also a torch (check the batteries are fully charged), de-icer, a shovel, and extra food and drink, just in case you get trapped in heavy snow on the Snake Pass between Manchester and Sheffield.

Vehicle Check List

Essential things to look out for in the winter months to make sure you have a safe journey.

Tyre tread

Battery

All Lights

Brakes

All fluid Levels

Mirrors

Windows

Windscreen Wipers.

Lights

It’s very important to check your vehicle's lights are working correctly and very importantly if they don’t come on automatically when it goes dark, make sure you use them when necessary. It allows other road users to see you more easily and obviously, it will light up your route. Clear off any snow or ice from the lights before setting off.