7th December 2023

How to improve safety on our roads during the winter months

Driving in winter

Driving in the winter months can be quite different compared to other seasons. The colder temperatures and weather conditions pose unique challenges for drivers. One major difference is the presence of snow and ice on the roads, which significantly affects traction and increases the risk of skidding or sliding.

With this in mind, we wanted to share a few tips to help keeping you and others safe on the road whilst driving during the winter months.

 

When driving in the winter months, it is important to make certain adjustments to your driving habits to ensure safety on the road.

Here are some key considerations:

  • Reduce speed: decrease your driving speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. This allows for better control of your vehicle and gives you more time to react to any potential hazards.
  • Accelerate and decelerate gradually: avoid sudden acceleration or braking, as this can cause your tyres to lose traction on slippery surfaces. Gradual movements help maintain stability while driving.

Be cautious on bridges and overpasses: these areas tend to freeze first, so be extra cautious when crossing them. Slow down before reaching these sections of the road.

Visibility may be reduced during winter due to fog, snowfall, or shorter daylight hours. Always use headlights when necessary for better visibility and ensuring that other drivers can see you too.

Before starting your journey, remove all snow and ice from your windshield, side mirrors, rear window, and lights for clear visibility. Driving with a windscreen that is not fully clear can result in a fine.

If your car is fitted with parking sensors or a rear-view camera, ensure these points are also cleaned and clear of snow and ice.

Preparing your vehicle for winter conditions is vital as well. This includes checking the battery strength, inspecting wiper blades for effectiveness in clearing snow or slush from the windshield, ensuring proper functioning of defrosters and heaters, and maintaining an adequate level of antifreeze/coolant mixture.

Furthermore, winter driving often involves dealing with road salt or de-icing chemicals that can corrode the vehicle’s exterior. Regular car washes are recommended to prevent damage caused by these substances. It’s also essential to check tyre pressure regularly as cold temperatures can cause it to drop.

Check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out. If possible, avoid driving in severe weather conditions or on icy roads.

Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle including items like blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a shovel, and an ice scraper.

In the UK, it isn’t mandatory to drive with winter tyres, however, they can significantly enhance safety when facing adverse weather conditions. Winter tyres are specifically designed to offer better traction and grip on snowy or icy roads, as well as in cold temperatures. They have a unique tread pattern and rubber compound that allows them to maintain flexibility even in freezing conditions. As a result, they provide improved braking performance and reduce the risk of skidding or sliding on slippery surfaces.

Electric motors can be beneficial during winter due to their lower center of gravity and the placement of batteries, which improves handling and traction. Unlike traditional combustion engines, they don’t require a clutch or gears, providing instant torque. This means that when you start your journey, you can gently press the accelerator pedal to avoid losing traction.

Additionally, electric cars often come equipped with narrower tyres to reduce friction and increase their range. In general, modern vehicles benefit from advanced stability control programs that effectively limit and manage wheels’ overspinning. These systems play a crucial role in maintaining vehicle stability and improving safety on various road surfaces.

Also, the regenerative braking systems found in electric vehicles (EVs) provide a smoother way to slow down or come to a stop, minimising the chance of harsh or over-braking that could result in loss of traction. This feature enhances safety and control when driving on slippery roads during winter.

It’s also important to charge your EV regularly to maintain battery health and capacity. Don’t forget to precondition your vehicle before driving to optimise battery performance.