Winter driving advice

Before winter

Check:

• Your vehicle is well maintained
• Tyres including the spare are in good condition
• Your cooling system is topped up with anti freeze
• The battery works well
• You have a screen scraper and de-icer in the car
• Windscreen wipers and washers are working properly
• Your screen washer bottle is topped up with water, treated with a screen wash to prevent it freezing

Before driving

Check:

• Your lights are clean and working properly
• All your windows and mirrors are clean and clear of frost, snow and mist
• Your route to avoid travelling on un-gritted roads
• Local weather information to see if it is safe to drive

Ask yourself:

• Is your journey necessary?
• Have you checked the weather forecast?
• Have you told someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive?
• Have you taken warm clothing, hot drinks, food, torch and a shovel?

When driving

• Drive more slowly both on gritted roads and un-gritted roads
• Take particular care at junctions and corners
• Use dipped headlights if you can't see clearly
• Drive in the highest gear possible - that's the lowest possible revs
• Avoid braking or accelerating harshly
• Keep well away from the car in front - stopping distance will be 10 times longer than usual in snow or ice
• Keep a good look out for children and cyclists
• Don't obstruct gritting vehicles

If you do get caught in snow

• Stay with your vehicle until help arrives
• Make yourself and your vehicle visible to other motorists
• If you do have to leave your vehicle, give your details to the local police

Visit Gov.uk to find out more information on winter driving