Graham Primrose from Fleet Management Solutions has been kind enough to send us some winter driving tips.
One thing you have to remember is that if you are driving on behalf of your daily working activities then you will be at risk. Even more so when the weather is bad as it is so unpredictable at the best of times and road conditions can change without warning, especially in the winter as we have seen of late. So when severe weather hits we advise you to listen to local traffic reports and make an informed decision. A meeting can always be re-arranged as your safety is the number one priority. So carry out a Risk Assessment and make sure that you are safe.
“THE UNEXPECTED WILL ALWAYS HAPPEN WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT TO!”
Never assume that you will be able to stop off for a meal or a drink so take something with you.
When you set off it would be a wise move to top up your fuel just in case you get stuck in traffic when the weather turns.
If you get stuck in some snow lay off the accelerator as all you are doing is polishing the snow and it turns to ice and will make it harder for you to get out.
One tip from years back was to purchase a few bags of cat litter as this works well in place of grit if there is none readily available also it won’t rot the boot of the vehicle away if left in all winter just in case, as one client experienced when he had some grit in a plastic bucket.
Check Your Vehicle
It is vital that you check your vehicle, especially when you are planning to drive in winter weather conditions. Ensure that your vehicle is well maintained and servicing is up to date;
Make sure that your battery is fully charged.
Keep lights, windows & mirrors clean and free from ice and snow otherwise you could incur a £60 fine & 3 points.
Make sure anti-freeze is added to the radiator and topped up to correct levels.
Make sure concentrated winter additive is added to the windscreen washer to prevent freezing.
Make sure tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure as this will help the life of the tyre and save you on fuel.
Check that your wipers and lights are in good working order and check them daily.
Plan Your Journey
When driving during wintry weather conditions, take care to plan your journey to avoid any unnecessary risks to your safety;
Check the local and national weather forecasts before departure and return times.
Listen to travel information throughout your journey as weather can change quickly.
Tell someone at Home, Office and your destination what time you expect to arrive.
Carry a screen scraper, de-icer, and a set of warm dry clothing and footwear.
A blanket and some sustenance such as high energy bars and something to drink would be wise.
Make sure that your mobile phone is fully charged in case of emergencies.
Only use you’re mobile if it is safe and legal to do so.
In adverse weather avoid taking your usual short cuts and back roads as these may not have been treated or cleared.
Make sure you always have enough fuel for your journey, best to keep it topped up at all times.
How You Drive
When the roads are icy or slushy, watch your speed as it is something to consider in these conditions, slow down even if you are in a rush it’s not worth it your safety is paramount as is every other drivers’ safety on the road.
Avoid locking your wheels whilst braking on ice or snow, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.
It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Drive slowly, allowing extra braking distance to slow down and stop.
Be aware of any additional noise confirming that traction and/ or stability systems are operating on the car.
Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
Avoid harsh braking and acceleration, taking care to manoeuvre gently.
Don’t rev the engine and spin the wheels when stuck you only waste fuel and will make it worse.
Carry a snow shovel with you could also carry a bag of cat litter as this can be used as grit and won’t rot your boot.
If You Need Assistance Or Abandon your Vehicle.
The cold weather can cloud your judgment and compromise your safety therefore if you need assistance or your vehicle has broken down or you are simply lost, remember the following;
If you have broken down on a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone, the breakdown/emergency services will then be able to locate you easily.
If you have to use a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder.
Abandoned vehicles can hold up rescue vehicles and snowploughs. To ensure that the road is cleared as quickly as possible, stay with your vehicle until help arrives or try to leave it somewhere that won’t obstruct the road.
If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you by using a torch (point this downwards to save blinding on coming vehicles) and wear a safety vest if you have one.
Take extra care when walking home and let someone know you are doing so. Walking in snow can take a lot more effort and you can become disorientated very quickly.
Follow this link for further and up to date information from the highways agency: http://www.highways.gov.uk/knowledge/19654.aspx
Links to other advice areas:
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/seasonal/winter_motoring.html
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/ChristmasHolidays/DG_173375
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/roads/winter-driving/advice
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