Top Tips for Safe Winter Driving

by: Jackie De Burca

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Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 Time: 8:54 PM - 0 comments

Driving in winter requires different care and practices than during the more pleasant parts of the year. Weather conditions can include low lying winter sun, ice, snow or torrential rain. Also in winter time apart from fleet drivers other people often have the need to travel longer journeys over the holiday period. Apart from following these tips check that your motor fleet insurance or car insurance and rescue service memberships are up to date in case of any emergency.

RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) has launched a factsheet for safe winter driving which is on their website, and it discusses subjects such as car conditions, accessories and weather issues which drivers are advised to plan especially for longer journeys.

Kevin Clinton, who is the RoSPA head of road safety, said that safer winter driving is about being well prepared. Firstly you need to ensure that you and your vehicle are in a good state to drive and that you have planned your journey in detail.

Some of RoSPA's advice includes:

* Check that the lights are working and clean
* Ensure the windscreen and windows are clean and that the water bottle is filled up with screen wash in the correct concentration
* Carry a functioning torch in the car, in addition to de-icing equipment and a first aid kit
* Be aware of the possibility of being stuck in snow. Pack a blanket, pair of boots, high-visibility jacket, and a mobile phone for emergency use

If conditions are especially bad you should avoid travelling altogether. If you really must travel in ice or snow then do everything extra gently. Give extra distance to other drivers in all directions.

Remember that the winter sun is low and combined with a dry windscreen can be extremely hazardous. Peter Rodger who is the Chief Examiner for the Institute of Advanced Motorists pointed out that we have this low sun in the mornings and later afternoon. UK winter weather can mean wet and dirty roads which mean even more dirt on the other side of windscreens.

On top of this you could have your heater on demist, and the combination of blowing traffic fumes, suspended smoke and oil on the inside of the screen can quickly build up to a film of grime, a major cause of glare. He advises a minimum of a weekly clean but weather dependent more may be better.

Use glass cleaner or water to clean it thoroughly inside and out and dry with paper or leather. Apart from this change the windscreen wipers once a year. Make sure your washer bottles are topped up with a good quality screen wash. Always keep a good pair of sun glasses with you in the car it is a great help.

It is a good idea to do a checklist of the various items mentioned in this article and store them in your car so that you will not be caught out. Sometimes we have to take a trip that was not planned and for safety it is best to know you are fully equipped, in the same way as you need to be 100% sure that you have up to date motor fleet insurance or car insurance.