|
Introduction
Why is it that, every year, the onset of winter driving conditions
catches so many motorists totally unprepared
for that journey to work, or travelling on holiday. Whether
you've just got a licence or have had one for years, there
is some driving advice you can't afford to forget. It is about
driving in winter when conditions can seriously affect road
surfaces, visibility and vehicle handling. Special driving
skills, techniques and equipment are required for safe winter
driving.
It is only after an accident or a near accident in the autumn
or early winter that drivers realise once again the true hazard
of winter driving. Most drivers need to re-learn each year
the proper techniques and driving skills necessary for safe
winter driving.
Weather Conditions
The practised driver always bears in mind the
particular characteristics of different weather
conditions.
Ice: One
of the most potentially dangerous conditions that drivers
face is icy roads. To remain in control, it is essential to
do everything more gently than normal. Slow down as soon as
you are aware of ice, steer gently avoiding harsh turns. Keep
in the highest gear you can, and if you have to brake, use
short, even applications, not heavy sustained pressure.
Rain: Rain
makes roads perilous at any time of the year, but in winter
it usually means much worse visibility, particularly when
there is heavy spray from other vehicles. So switch your lights
on early to see and be seen.
Slow right down and watch for large pools of
water in heavy storms. Hitting these at speed can cause even
the most experienced drive to lose control.
At night rain worsens the glare from headlights,
so it is vital to keep the speed down in such conditions.
When street lighting is good, use dipped headlights to help
reduce the glare all round.
Stopping distances are much greater on wet roads, so allow
plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle in front.
Snow: One of the main
problems of driving in falling snow is poor visibility, so
always switch on your lights. The other major problem is
lack of adhesion to the road surface. So drive slowly on
snow in the highest gear possible at that speed and, as with
ice, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking. Overtaking
needs much more care than usual. If you overtake salt-spreading
trucks or snow ploughs, remember the road ahead of them will
probably be untreated and still treacherous.
Remember children might be out
playing in towns and villages, so watch out for them. Getting
caught in severe snow conditions can be both dangerous
and uncomfortable. So if you must set out, take hot drinks,
food, warm clothing or blankets and a shovel with you.
Whenever possible try to avoid setting out in such conditions.
Fog: Fog is
a hazard second only to snow and ice. It can vary from dense
to patchy. The correct drill is to switch on dipped headlights
or fog lights, slow down, keep your windscreen wipers going,
demist the inside. If visibility reduces to such an extent
that you are really in trouble, park your vehicle off the
road leaving your lights on. When following another vehicle,
keep well back. Never try to overtake, because fog is deceptive.
It may seem fairly clear when following, but when you are
in front with nothing but a white blanket ahead, you may
realise too late that the leading vehicle was going at the
right speed. When turning left or right, keep your foot on
the brake pedal to keep your stoplights on and warn drivers
coming from behind. Use your high intensity lights when visibility
is below 100 metres. However, remember to turn them off when
conditions improve. Driving with them on unnecessarily annoys
other drivers and can conceal your brake lights.
Hail: Hail
usually occurs unexpectedly and can be almost totally blinding
for drivers. But it does not usually last long so slow down
to a safe speed, turn your lights on and if you can safely
do so, pull off the road until the storm blows over. For
some time after a hailstorm the road will be slushy so do
still drive slowly and gently.
Winter sun: Winter
sun dazzle is an underestimated hazard. The winter sun is
lower in the sky so reduce speed and use your visor to lessen
the dazzle effect; Switching on your lights can help to ensure
you can be seen. The chances of an accident are increased
in the wintertime because of the deterioration of the weather,
so our guide has tried to offer you a few pointers to improve
safety. We are not saying that it contains anything new,
but if you follow the advice contained in this guide, you
are on the road to reducing the risk of accidents.
Remember: Sensible driving
will help you safely through the winter
|