Before you Travel
- Check the weather forecast
- Tell someone what time you are expecting to arrive
- Charge your phone
- If the weather is particularly bad, ask yourself – is your journey essential?
- Is there another way to get there?
Check your Vehicle
- Make sure your wipers and lights are working correctly
- Check your tyres have plenty of tread depth and are at the correct pressure for your journey
- REMEMBER ‘POWER’ checks
Petrol / Oil / Water / Electrics / Rubber
Emergency Pack
Have an emergency pack in your vehicle containing things such as;
- Water
- Food
- Blanket & warm clothes
- Hi-vis jacket
- Ice scraper & de-icer
- Torch
- Jump leads
- Shovel
We all know winter weather can be unpredictable, being prepared can be life saving or simply make for a more comfortable journey
Windy Weather
- Watch out for debris on the road
- Keep back from high sided vehicles
- Give cyclists space (1.5 metres)
Heavy Rain
- In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double than on a dry road. This is because your tyres have less grip
- If your steering becomes unresponsive, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
- Do not use cruise control
Foggy Conditions
- Drive slowly and use dipped headlights
- If visibility is seriously reduced, use your front and rear fog lights, but remember to switch them off when visibility improves
- Don’t drive too close to the vehicle in front incase they have to suddenly stop
Floods
- Try to avoid standing water if possible
- Drive very slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high
- Avoid the deepest water, which is usually near the kerb
- Let approaching cars pass first
- Test your brakes once you are through the flood water
Icy Conditions
- It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions
- Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin
- Drive gently & avoid harsh braking and acceleration
- To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal very gently
- Do not use cruise control