How to stay safe when driving in winter conditions such as ice and snow, and what to do if things go wrong.
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How to Stay Safe When Driving in Winter?
Winter driving can be dangerous and challenging, even for experienced drivers. Hazards such as icy roads, reduced visibility, snow and black ice significantly increase the risk of accidents and getting stuck on the side of the road.
Whether you are taking a long trip or commuting for work, it is essential to prepare both yourself and your vehicle before leaving home. Here’s all you need to know about how to stay safe when driving in winter and what to do if things go wrong.
Table of Contents
Why winter driving can be dangerous
Winter weather can significantly affect road conditions and your vehicle’s performance, and make driving more dangerous. Some of the biggest risks include:
- Snowy and icy conditions that cause slippery roads and dramatically reduce tyre grip.
- Reduced visibility due to fog, rain, snow and early darkness, making it more difficult to see other vehicles and hazards.
- Longer stopping distances, up to 10 times greater than on dry roads.
- Black ice, which is a thin, transparent sheet of ice that can be almost impossible to see.
- Dazzle and glare from the low sun can cause temporary blindness and significantly reduce visibility.
- Vehicle issues, as the cold weather can affect batteries, wipers and tyre pressure.
Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions
To stay safe when driving in winter conditions, ensure your car is prepared for the cold before heading out on the road. You should:
- Check your tyres and make sure they have a tread of at least 3mm for winter conditions.
- Use all-season or winter tyres.
- Inspect all your lights and make sure they are clean and working correctly.
- Clean your windscreen, mirrors and lights of ice, snow and mist to keep visibility as clear as possible.
- Check your wipers and replace any damaged or worn wiper blades.
- Top up your antifreeze and screen wash to prevent your engine and windscreen from freezing.
- Check your battery and make sure it is in good condition and fully charged.
- Keep your fuel tank at least half full to prevent freezing and to have a reserve in case of an emergency.
- Remove all snow and ice from the vehicle, including the roof, to ensure visibility and prevent snow from falling onto other cars.
Plan your journey before you drive
Carefully preparing for your journey can ensure that this goes as smoothly as possible and that you are ready in the event of an emergency:
- Check road conditions and traffic news using the RAC Route Planner, as well as the weather forecast (for example, from the Met Office).
- Avoid unnecessary travel in extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow or ice.
- If you must drive, stick to major roads that are more likely to be gritted and clear.
- Leave in advance and allow extra time for your journey to avoid rushing.
- Let someone know your route and expected arrival time, especially for long trips.
- Keep emergency contacts and breakdown numbers saved on your phone.
- Wear comfortable, dry shoes so that they don’t slip on the pedals.
You should also pack an emergency kit with:
- A first-aid kit
- Jumper leads
- A shovel
- An ice scraper
- A flashlight
- Warm clothing
- Blankets
- Food
- Medicine
- Water
- Sunglasses
- A printed route
Planning ahead can save you time, reduce stress and help you stay safe on unpredictable winter roads.
Safe driving tips for winter roads
When driving in winter, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style to the road conditions. Follow these essential safety tips:
- Drive slower than the limit and further reduce your speed on snow and icy roads.
- Leave a bigger gap between you and the vehicle in front, at least three times the normal stopping distance.
- Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.
- Brake and accelerate gently and progressively, avoiding sudden movements.
- Make all turns gently and avoid braking while turning.
- In slippery conditions, it is better to use second gear rather than first to move off.
- Use your low-beam headlights to increase your visibility to other drivers.
- Keep your speed constant and avoid changing gears when going uphill.
- Use a low gear to use engine braking and avoid using the brakes when going downhill.
- Be cautious on bridges and shaded areas, which freeze faster and stay icy for longer.
- Stay focused and alert, and watch out for black ice.
What to do if you start to skid
Skidding is a common hazard on snowy and icy roads, and it can be quite frightening. While you might be tempted to, it is essential not to hit the brakes or jerk the steering wheel, as this can make things worse. Instead, you should:
- Don’t panic. Most skids can be corrected if handled calmly.
- Ease your foot off the accelerator to reduce power to the wheels.
- Gently steer into the skid (if the rear is skidding to the right, steer right and vice versa).
- Avoid over-correcting and steer smoothly to straighten out.
- Once you are driving straight again, you can gently accelerate or brake.
What to do if you get stuck in snow or ice
If your vehicle gets stuck in snow or ice, avoid spinning your wheels, as this can only make the situation worse. Instead, you should:
- Clear the snow or ice from around the tyres as much as possible using a shovel, your hands or an ice scraper.
- Add traction by placing sand, salt, cat litter or car mats under the drive wheels to provide grip.
- Gently rock the car, shifting between drive and reverse to gain some momentum.
- Let out a little air from the tyres to increase their surface area, but remember to reinflate them as soon as possible.
If you still can’t move, do not hesitate to phone for help. In the meantime, you can stay warm by keeping your engine running, but ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.
If you must leave your vehicle, make sure you make it visible to other drivers.
What to do if you have been involved in a winter road accident
If you are involved in a road traffic accident during winter, your safety comes first. You should:
- Check for injuries and call 999 if anyone is seriously hurt. If not, seek medical care as soon as possible.
- If possible, move to a safe location, turn off your engine and turn on your hazard lights.
- Exchange details with the other drivers involved and ask for the contact details of witnesses.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, including any hazards, damage and weather conditions.
- Report the accident to your insurer and to the police if needed.
- Contact a specialist personal injury solicitor. If the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a road traffic accident claim.
Key takeaways on winter driving tips
Driving during the winter months can be challenging, so careful preparation is essential to stay safe. Before every trip, you should make sure that your vehicle is in good condition and carefully plan your route. It is also a good idea to carry a safety kit with essential items in case of an emergency.
During your drive, maintain a safe speed and increase your stopping distance. If you begin to skid, avoid sudden braking and gently steer into the skid. By following these tips on how to stay safe when driving in winter, you can prevent accidents and arrive at your destination safely.
