Winter weather British weather can vary considerably over a very short period of time and distance. Winter can often strike suddenly and severely, leaving motorists unprepared for the conditions. Snow Falling snow reduces visibility so always switch on your dipped headlights. Lack of adhesion can occur even on treated roads so drive slowly in the highest gear possible, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking. Ice It is often difficult to see ice on the road. If you suspect that the road surface is covered in ice it is essential to do everything more carefully than normal. Slow down, steer gently and avoid harsh braking. Rain Heavy rain will reduce visibility, particularly from vehicle spray. Always use your dipped headlights and reduce speed. At night, wet conditions worsen the glare from headlights so again, slow down.
Hail Hail can occur unexpectedly; slow down and use dipped headlights. After a hailstorm the road surface will be slippery so drive carefully. Fog In fog, drive very slowly using dipped headlights. When visibility is seriously reduced to below 100 metres (328ft) also use front and rear fog lamps. Remember to switch them off when visibility improves. Use your windscreen wipers and demisters to improve visibility. Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop within the distance you can see clearly. Do not hang on to the tail lights of the vehicle in front as it can give a false sense of security. When you slow down, use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you. When FOG is shown on a roadside signal but the road appears to be clear, be prepared for a bank of fog ahead. Fog can drift rapidly and is often patchy.
Plan your journey Before setting out on a journey during winter weather conditions make the following checks: is the journey absolutely necessary? check the local and national weather forecasts obtain travel information and road conditions from local and national radio ensure that the vehicle has a full fuel tank give an estimated time of arrival at your proposed destination take the appropriate equipment with you. Consider the following: mobile phone, warm clothing / footwear, torch, shovel, hot drink, food, fluorescent / reflective tabard / jacket, warning triangle, and a mat or sacking for extra grip in deep snow finally ask yourself again if the journey is necessary. Once on your way if you get into trouble, try not to abandon your vehicle, stay with it until help arrives if you are forced to leave your vehicle make yourself visible by wearing a fluorescent / reflective tabard / jacket.
Winter driving checklist Before winter weather arrives, check that your vehicle: is properly maintained and serviced tyres have plenty of tread depth, are in good condition and correctly inflated (don t forget the spare) radiator contains anti-freeze and the cooling system is free from leaks battery is in good condition (many garages / battery suppliers will carry out this check free of charge) windscreen wipers and washers are working effectively washer bottles are full and contain anti-freezing / cleaning additive. Before driving in winter weather check that: all lights are clean and working properly all windows and mirrors are clean and clear from snow and ice. Winter driving tips use dipped headlights in poor visibility reduce your speed compared to normal driving conditions keep a safe stopping distance behind the vehicle in front. It takes much longer to stop in wet or icy conditions avoid harsh braking, acceleration and steering keep a careful watch out for other road users especially motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and young pedestrians.
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