Roadhog

Winter DrivingInside your vehicle, it may be warm and comfortable, but don't forget the weather outside! Freezing temperatures, sleet and snow, fog, heavy rain, even winter sun, can make roads dangerous. Change the way you drive to fit the weather. If you have to drive in wintry weather, you may wish to consider the following: Remember: Always check your route and the weather forecast before you leave. Listen to travel bulletins and take note of electronic message signs while you are on the road. Take a winter emergency kit. In bad weather, don't drive unless your journey is essential. Wait until the weather improves. Driving in Snow or IceBefore you set off, you MUST be able to see, so clear all the ice and snow from your windows. Remove snow from the roof, boot and bonnet so it doesn't fall into the path of other road users when you move off. Make sure windows are de-misted and your mirrors are clean.  Are your lights clean, and number plates clearly visible and legible?   While driving, drive with care at all times, even if the roads have been treated. Be prepared for road conditions to change suddenly over short distances. Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, or sudden speed increases, which could all make your vehicle skid. The best way to slow without skidding is to get into a lower gear earlier, let your speed go down, and brake gently. If you do start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake suddenly. When moving off on a slippery surface, use the highest gear that you can (for example, second gear rather than first). This will help avoid wheel spin that could make you lose control of your vehicle. Stopping distances in winter.In winter conditions, it takes longer to stop. When roads are slippery it will take longer to stop; up to 10 times longer. So, drop your speed, and give yourself more time to slow down and stop. Drive with care even if roads have been treated. If your car starts to skid, put your foot on the clutch. Do not brake! Steer immediately in the direction of the skid. When the car straightens, steer along the road. Hazards for drivers: Black ice and freezing rain. Rain falling on to a cold surface can freeze instantly, causing black ice. Black ice and freezing rain are serious hazards because the road ahead may just look wet, but in fact be covered in sheet ice. Listen to the weather forecast for warnings of freezing rain. Listen for road noise as you drive. Tyres make virtually no noise when travelling on ice. If you are worried, you can check your grip on the road by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive, this may indicate ice. In fog, slow down and use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you. Use fog lights if visibility is seriously reduced. Don't forget to switch your fog lights off again when the fog clears. Fog lights can dazzle the driver behind. Don't follow the rear lights of a vehicle in front. It gives you a false sense of security. If you get too close, you may not have time to brake and stop safely. Fog is often patchy so don't think its 'all clear' and speed up as visibility improves; you could suddenly find yourself back in thick fog. Driving in the rain. On wet roads, it can take up to twice as long to stop as it does on dry roads. Reduce your speed when it starts raining. If there is lots of spray, slow down and keep well back from other vehicles. You will have a better view of the traffic and more time to react. Beware of your tyres losing their grip on a wet surface. Your vehicle could 'aquaplane' on surface water. If this happens, take your foot off the accelerator and slow down. Don't brake suddenly. Floods. Don't drive through lying surface water if you can avoid it. Slow right down so you can see what is ahead of you. Don't try to drive through deep water. The deepest water is usually near the kerb. If you have to drive through a flood: use first gear; move forward slowly to avoid stalling the engine. Keep the engine revs high and slip the clutch when you need to. Test your brakes after crossing water. Only drive on at your usual speed if the brakes are working and it is safe to do so. Winter Sun. Glare from low winter sun can make driving dangerous, especially in the mornings and evenings. Keep your windscreen and mirrors clean to avoid making it even harder to see. Wear sunglasses if they help.

If you get into trouble. Do not use a mobile phone if you are driving

(this will incur a fixed penalty of £60 and 3 endorsements on your licence).                                                                                                                                                        

Stop somewhere safe, or ask a person with you to make the call. On a motorway, use the emergency telephones by the side of the road rather than a mobile. This will help traffic officers and the emergency services to know exactly where you are. If you have to use a mobile phone, check where you are by looking at the markers on the posts at the side of the road. Get out of your vehicle and stand clear but close until help comes. If you leave your vehicle, it might get in the way of snow ploughs, ambulances and other emergency services. Put on your warmest clothes and keep having drinks. But do not drink alcohol, as this will make your body colder. If you have to leave your vehicle to get help make sure other drivers can see you and tell other people where you are going.

...and, importantly, don't panic!     

....always Drive carefully,

RoadHog