Advice for Winter Driving
Check
- Local and national radio for travel information and weather forecasts, allowing extra time
for your journey if necessary. Heart Radio - 96.6FM and BBC Northants - 103.6
& 104.2FM
- That your tyre pressures are at the recommended level and that the tread depth is correct.
- Don’t forget your spare!
- That your lights are clean and in working order.
- That the wiper system is working effectively.
- That the washer-bottles are full and contain a suitable additive to prevent freezing.
- That your battery is in good condition, topped up and fully charged.
- Your anti-freeze is at the correct level. (Your garage can do this for you).
Before driving off
- Consider whether your journey is essential.
- Make sure that all your windows and mirrors are completely clear of ice and condensation.
- Carry a can of de-icer and a scraper in the car.
- Cars left outside overnight will benefit from their windscreen being covered over.
You
- Ensure you have “outside” clothing with you in case you have to get out of your vehicle.
- Watch out for vulnerable road users - you share responsibility for their safety.
Remember
- Do not travel too fast or too close to the vehicle in front. When ice and snow are present
drive smoothly, avoiding harsh braking and sudden changes in direction.
- Keep in as high a gear as possible.
- Always use dipped headlights when visibility is poor due to rain or snow and when
driving in fog.
See and be seen
- Allow yourself more time for a journey and in severe conditions only travel when it is
absolutely necessary.
- It is better to travel a little further on a main road that has been treated than to use
untreated minor roads.
Finally, even the most carefully organised procedures can suffer setbacks or mechanical
breakdowns and as a result, very occasionally, some roads may not be salted.
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