Winter is the most dangerous time of year to be on the roads, and driving in snow is quite possibly the worst situation of them all.
Snowy roads can cause skidding, unexpected crashes (especially by hitting objects the snow has obscured) and falling snow can reduce visibility to zero. Yet none of us can avoid driving in snowy conditions, unless we want to risk losing pay (or even our jobs!). So how can we make the best of a bad situation?
Before you set off, there are a number of changes, checks and tricks you can use to keep your car in top condition:
When you’re on the roads, you need to be extra careful of your handling, manoeuvres and your concentration. Conditions, both on the road and with other road users, can change in an instant, and snowy weather makes reacting to those changes a lot harder, so stay on the ball.
If the worst comes to the worst and you can’t stop yourself from skidding or getting stuck, then follow these few simple rules to get yourself out of more trouble.
If you’re travelling in snowy or icy conditions, always check the weather reports for any warnings. Traffic updates will also tell you if any roads are closed or if there are any accidents on your route. Make sure you know your route before you set off, and stick to the main, gritted roads as much as possible.
If the weather is really bad, assess whether you really need to travel. Yes, your job is important, but is it more important than your life? If you’re fairly certain you can get to your destination safely – it might only involve major roads, or might be just round the corner – then it’s probably safe to drive. If you need to use smaller routes or it’s further away, it might be worth waiting until later in the day, when the snow or ice has had a chance to melt, or until the next day, when the weather might have improved.
Of course, if you find that even the slightest bit of snow causes you endless disruption (people who live in isolated communities tend to suffer most) then consider investing in long-term solutions. Snow chains can be fitted onto your existing tyres with very little effort and give you considerably more grip. Or, if the thought of taking them on and off every morning makes you want to scream, consider getting winter tyres fitted. Your local garage can put them on, and the increased grip and narrower design are tailored specially for winter driving in snow and ice.