10 Tips for Driving in the Snow

Very grateful to my husband for all the advice he’s been giving me recently about driving safely in the snow. Here are my Top Ten Tips…

1. MIND YOUR SPEED

The real key is driving slowly. It’s easy to get a bit over confident and drive as you would in normal conditions.

2. BIGGER SPACES

Leave a much bigger space between you and the car in front. Stopping times can be around ten times longer in snow and ice.

3. USE YOUR GEARS

Pull away in second gear rather than first as this reduces the force going to the front tyres and means your wheels won’t spin. Generally drive in a higher gear than usual to prevent skidding, especially when driving down hills.

4. AVOID BREAKING

Wherever possible use your brakes as little as possible. Look ahead and let the car slow down naturally or use gear changes to slow you down rather than applying your brakes.

5. SLOW CORNERS

Take corners really slowly. It’s here that you’ll skid and slide.

6. OTHER DRIVERS

Stay alert to other cars. Bear in mind that other drivers may also be struggling in the snow so even if you are driving well they could be about to slide across the road. Expect the unexpected.

7. STEADY SPEED

Try to maintain a steady speed. Braking and accelerating can cause your car to skid and slide.

8. SLOW MOVEMENTS
If you do need to change speeds, accelerate very slowly. Don’t try to push the accelerator pedal hard. All pedal movement should be very gentle.

9. SKIDDING
If you do skid, try to keep you feet off the brakes and accelerator and steer into the director of the skid (avoiding other cars!) until you get the car back into control.

10. CLEAR YOUR CAR
Take the extra time before you set off to ensure your windscreen and windows are COMPLETELY clear of ice and snow. Police report many accidents are caused in these conditions because drivers just can’t see properly.