How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips
Our guide for driving in different weather conditions
Did you know that 1 in 13 road crashes are partly caused by a slippery road?
Different weather conditions affect the road and how you use them, that’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you stay safe on the roads this winter.
Snow and Ice
- Try and use the highest gear possible to avoid any extra wheel spin.
- Remember to brake gently to avoid locking the wheels. Get into a low gear earlier than normal and allow the speed of the vehicle to fall gradually.
- Always take corners slowly and steer gently and steadily to avoid skidding - never brake if the vehicle skids, instead, ease off the accelerator and steer slightly into the direction of the skid until you gain control.
- If you’re stuck in snow, do not spin the wheels or rev the vehicle, as this will dig the vehicle further in. Instead, put the vehicle into as high a gear as possible and slowly manoeuvre the vehicle lightly forwards and backwards to gently creep out.
- If you’re stuck, then stay in the vehicle unless help is visible within 100 yards. Do not abandon your vehicle as this can hold up rescue vehicles.
- Highways England is responsible for keeping England's motorways and major 'A' roads clear of ice and snow. However, local road networks are the responsibility of local authorities. In some cases there may be a lag before roads are treated, so never assume that roads have been gritted.
Rain and floods
- Try to keep well back from the vehicle in front as rain and surface spray can make it difficult to see, and be seen by other road users.
- Always look out for steering becoming unresponsive – this can happen if water prevents the tyres from gripping. In the event of this happening, ease off the accelerator and gradually slow down and if possible, pull over somewhere safe until the rain stops and the water drains away.
- Never attempt to cross a flooded road if you are unsure how deep it is; only cross if you can see the road through the water - many vehicles require only two feet of water to float!
- If you’re driving on a flooded road, stay in first gear with the engine speed high and drive very slowly. Do not drive through floodwater if a vehicle is coming the other way as this will raise the level of water significantly.
- Alternatively wait and drive in the middle of the road to avoid potentially deeper water at the kerb.
- Remember to test brakes immediately after driving through water by driving slowly over a flat surface and pressing the brakes gently.
Driving can be a real challenge for your staff during the winter, especially if they’re carrying heavy loads and are driving for long distances. Here at How’s My Driving? we’ve asked some of our current members to share some key advice to help keep your
fleet safe over the cold and wet winter months.
With the winter months here, if you do decide to travel by car it’s important to carry a kit to help you when the temperatures drop and you may find yourself stuck in snowy, icy or cold conditions. Read more about
our ultimate winter car kit.