Winter Driving Safety: Staying Safe on Snowy and Icy UK Roads
Snow, slush, and ice can catch out even the most experienced drivers. Winter conditions dramatically reduce grip, visibility, and reaction times, so if you’re heading out during cold or wintry weather, it’s vital to take things steady and prepare properly before you set off.
Here are some essential winter driving tips to help keep you and other road users safe.
1) Prepare Your Vehicle Before You Drive
Before turning the key, make sure your car is fully cleared and road-ready:
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Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, number plates and the roof. Loose snow can slide onto your windscreen when braking.
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Check your wipers, washer fluid, and lights so you can see and be seen clearly.
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Allow extra time for de-icing and warming up safely.
2) Drive Smoothly and Defensively
When roads are icy, smooth and gentle inputs are crucial:
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Accelerate slowly and avoid harsh throttle inputs.
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Steer gently and avoid sudden direction changes.
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Brake progressively and much earlier than usual to avoid locking wheels or triggering a skid.
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Leave a significantly larger gap between you and the vehicle in front.
3) Improve Visibility
Winter weather often brings fog, heavy snow, or low light:
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Use dipped headlights in poor visibility so others can see you without glare.
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Keep windows demisted and clean throughout your journey.
4) What to Do If You Skid
Skids are frightening but staying calm makes all the difference:
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Ease off the pedals don’t slam the brakes.
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Look where you want the car to go, not at the hazard.
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Steer gently in that direction until control returns.
5) If You’re Involved in an Incident
Your safety comes first:
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Get yourself and your vehicle somewhere safe if possible.
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Once it’s safe to do so, take photos, gather details, and exchange information.
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Avoid standing in live traffic or dangerous conditions.
Winter driving demands extra care, patience, and awareness. Even short journeys can become hazardous when conditions change suddenly, so if in doubt, delay travel where possible.
If you do need support after an incident, Southside ARC is here to help providing expert accident repair and support when you need it most. Contact Us
Take care out there, UK, and drive safe this winter. 🤝
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