Driving Tips For Winter Weather
Updated: 6:15am UK, Friday 18 January 2013
With more bad weather heading for the UK, motorists have been warned to take extra care.
Skidding on ice is the main concern for those driving in freezing conditions.
So what is the best advice when it comes to being safe on the roads?
The Institute of Advanced Motorists has issued some top tips for motorists:
Before setting off:
:: Plan your route according to the driving conditions.
:: Make sure your wipers are in good condition.
:: Clean your windows inside and out.
:: Top up the washer fluid with winter strength screen wash which has a freeze-resistant additive.
:: Check last year's scraper and de-icer are up to the job.
:: Check your tyres, especially the tread depth. For optimum safety opt for at least 3mm instead of the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
:: Check all lights.
:: Pack an emergency kit – high-viz jacket, food and water, boots, de-icer, scraper, torch, shovel and charged mobile phone with your breakdown emergency number.
:: If you are on regular medication, take enough with you in case you get delayed.
On the road:
:: Use the 'ice' setting if your car has one.
:: Slow down and accelerate smoothly and gradually.
:: Drive in the highest gear possible, starting off in second.
:: Make sure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
:: Increase your following distance by ten times even if you have ABS.
:: Beware - light steering and reduced road noise could mean you are driving on ice.
:: Frost, ice and snow remain for longer under trees, on bridges, and in areas exposed to wind.
:: Make sure your wipers are in the off position when you stop – they can freeze to the window.
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