After a mild start to winter, temperatures have dropped sharply, raising the risk of icy roads and snowfall. It’s essential to prepare, as even experienced drivers can be caught off guard by slippery surfaces, leading to accidents. While it’s best to avoid travel in these conditions, a driving crash course in London offers practical tips for safely navigating icy and snowy roads if you do venture out.
- Prepare Yourself and Your Vehicle
Give yourself extra time for the journey, warming up the engine before heading out. Fully de-ice and defrost your vehicle, ensuring all windows and mirrors are clear for maximum visibility. Check tyre pressure and windshield wipers, and keep an emergency kit on hand with items like a flashlight, blanket, and ice scraper. For comprehensive winter driving preparation, consider the driving crash course in London.
- Slow Down and Drive Cautiously
Regardless of experience, no driver can safely speed on snowy roads. High speeds reduce control and make stopping far more difficult. Only drive in icy conditions if absolutely necessary—it’s safer to avoid the roads when weather conditions are hazardous.
- Stay in a High Gear
When driving on icy roads, try to drive in a higher gear to improve traction and reduce wheel spin. Accelerate gently and gradually to avoid losing control, and use a light touch on the pedals.
- Maintain Ample Distance
Stopping distances can increase up to tenfold on snow and ice, so leave a large gap between your vehicle and the one in front. Approach everything slowly, and if traffic ahead begins to slow, brake gently—slamming on the brakes can lead to skidding.
- Be Prepared for Emergencies
Bring emergency essentials, such as a first-aid kit, warm clothing, and food, in case you become stranded. Ensure your phone is fully charged, and let someone know your route and expected arrival time.
- Use Gentle Steering
Make gentle, deliberate steering movements. Sudden turns or overcorrections can lead to skidding. If you start to feel the car slide, don’t panic—steer gently in the direction of the skid until you regain control, and then straighten the wheel gradually.
Stay Calm if You Lose Control
If your car begins to skid, press the clutch and steer into the skid. As the vehicle realigns, steer gently to prevent further skidding, and avoid braking as it may lock the wheels and worsen control.
We hope this advice is helpful! If you have winter driving tips to share, please reach out. LIDT – Local Intensive Driver Training offers a driving crash and 5 Day intensive driving course in London to equip drivers with essential skills for safe, confident driving in all weather conditions. Connect with us to know more.