Nationwide Vehicle Contracts shares advice on safe driving techniques in snow and ice.
I always feel that come September, everyone in the UK says they’re ready for winter. And then, when winter arrives, we all hate it.
But there’s one thing about winter I hate the most: driving in snowy and icy conditions. It’s dangerous and can cause serious accidents if not approached in the right way.
Our blog shares expert advice for driving in snowy and icy conditions to ensure your safety on the road during the winter.
Preparation is Key
When setting off in treacherous conditions, check your car and keep some emergency supplies on board:
- Check your car: Ensure your car is winter-ready by checking the battery, tires, brakes, and fluids. Your car handbook should provide instructions on how to check. Also, if you live in an area with particularly bad snowfall, consider using winter tires for enhanced traction. For more information on car maintenance, check out our Maintenance Guides.
- Pack emergency supplies: Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle, such as a blanket, flashlight, warm clothing, and snacks.
Driving Techniques
- Smooth acceleration and deceleration: When setting off, apply gentle pressure on the gas pedal to avoid wheel spin. When braking, start slowing down early and gently apply the brakes to prevent skidding.
- Increase the following distance: Allow extra space between your car and the one in front. This will give you more time to brake in the event of an accident. According to The AA, stopping distance can be increased by at least ten times on snow or ice, so take this into consideration.
- Use a low gear: Pull away in second gear and continue in as low of a gear as possible when on the road.
Proper Braking Techniques
- Use Anti-Lock Brakes Correctly: In the event of an accident, maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal and let the anti-lock system do its job. Remain calm and do not pump the brakes.
- Downshift when driving downhill: When declining, downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking. This can help you keep control without relying completely on your brakes.
Handling Skids
- Front-wheel skid: If you notice your front wheels skidding, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go. Avoid suddenly moving the steering wheel.
- Rear-wheel skid: Turn the wheel in the direction you want to go and gently accelerate. Once again, avoid sudden movement of the steering wheel.
Adapt to Changing Conditions
If you’ve come from an area with little snow or ice to one that has a lot, you’ll need to adapt quickly:
- Slow down: First things first, drive at a speed that matches the road conditions. Even if you’re in a rush, sometimes slower is safer.
- Use your lights wisely: Keep your headlights on when there’s snow and ice, especially if visibility is bad. Remember not to dazzle other road users, so avoid using your high beam if another vehicle is approaching.
Conclusion
By adopting these winter driving techniques, you can go a long way to keeping everyone safe during the winter months.
The key is to stay calm, be prepared, and adjust to the current conditions.
Looking for more car leasing advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces regular winter-themed blogs, such as The Best Christmas Gifts for Car Enthusiasts and Iconic Automobiles in Christmas Movies.
We are also one of the UK’s largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need on the road.
