As we enter the wettest and coldest few months of the year, we advise all drivers to take special care in what can
often be treacherous conditions. The British winter is unpredictable – bad weather can strike suddenly, so the best
advice when severe weather hits is to listen to the local traffic reports and make an informed decision. If you really
must travel in severe weather, check your vehicle before you set out and make sure you have warm clothing and a
mobile phone with you. Remember: If the weather seems too bad for a journey to be completed safely, then a
meeting can always be re-arranged.
Vehicle Checks
Tread depth is essential for grip in wet or icy conditions, and drivers who fail to ensure this are not only risking their own lives, but also those of other road users. The tyre tread helps to disperse water when driving in rain and sharp edges on the tread block help provide grip on ice and snow. UK law requires that tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre surface, and around the tyre’s entire circumference however
tyre performance is much poorer when the tread is close to the minimum limit.
Keeping your car in good working order for the winter is essential. Many garages offer a ‘winter check’ which is often free, covering the vehicle’s fluid levels, antifreeze, brakes and tyres.
Make sure your lights, windows and mirrors are clean. Ensure all snow is cleared from your car before setting off – not just windows and lights, but also any loose snow on the roof, bonnet or boot lid. This could slide of car while driving causing a hazard to both yourself and other road users.
• Ensure your engine coolant, antifreeze, oil and brake fluid are all topped up. Special winter additives are
available to add to windscreen washer bottles.
• Make sure your wiper blades are clean and in good condition.
• Check that your tyres have plenty of tread depth, making sure to check across the entire width of the tyre, that
they are at the correct pressure, and don’t have any cuts or bulges in the sidewall
Adjusting your driving for weather conditions
Snow, ice and slush
• In icy conditions, use your car’s winter setting if it has one (normally a button with a snowflake near
the gearstick).
• It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road, drive slowly, allowing extra room to slow
down and stop.
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin avoiding harsh braking and acceleration, driving as gently
and smoothly as possible.
• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, allow your speed to fall and use the brake
pedal gently. Be aware of a fast juddering noise and sensation through the brake pedal. This is the ABS (Antilock Braking System) working and is perfectly normal. ABS will allow you to brake heavily and steer the car at the
same time to help avoid a collision.
• If the vehicle starts to skid, do not panic. If your car has an electronic stability control programme (most modern
cars have this) then continue to steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go and allow the car’s safety
systems to try and straighten the car up. Ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly.
Rain
In wet weather, stopping distances will be much longer than you would require in dry conditions.
• Keep as far back from other vehicles as possible, especially if spray is making it difficult for you to
see the road ahead.
• When travelling through large puddles keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and don’t attempt to drive too fast.
Aquaplaning can happen if you travel too fast through standing water. This is where the vehicle skates across
the top of the water and you could experience a loss of control.
• Don’t attempt to negotiate any flooded roads unless you are sure the water is shallow enough to do so.
Fog
• Drive slowly using dipped headlights and do not hang on to the tail-lights of the vehicle in front. This gives you a
false sense of security and means you may be driving too close.
• Use fog-lights if visibility is seriously reduced, but remember to switch them off when visibility improves. Once
visibility returns to more than 100 metres, you should turn off your fog lights.
• Fog can be patchy and often drifts rapidly. If it seems to be clearing, be wary of speeding up too much as you
can suddenly find yourself back in thick fog.
Journey Planning
If you are worried about the possibility of bad weather, you would be well advised to take the following precautions
before setting off.
• Check weather forecasts and latest travel information before you set off.
• Listen to the radio for the latest travel information during your journey.
• Advise someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.
• Make sure your lights, windows and mirrors are all clean before you set out and carry an ice scraper and a can of
de-icer.
Other Health and Safety Considerations
Remember that the days are getting shorter and can get quite dark early afternoon. When attending meetings or
leaving work think about where you park your car and the distance you may need to walk in the dark. Always park
as close as you can. If you have to park some distance away, remember your personal safety tips e.g. parking in a
well lit area in the direction of your travel, carry your keys ready (refer to the Bron Afon Personal Safety Leaflet)
Walkways and paths may be icy, muddy and wet leaves may cause slippery surfaces, take care when walking to
and from work, working on site and visiting contract holders. Please report any concerns to your line manager or Health and Safety Manager.
Further advice can be found on the Driver and Vehicle Standards Website
Tips for driving safely in winter, part 1 (safedrivingforlife.info)
Tips for safe driving in winter: part 2 (safedrivingforlife.info)