Your Essential Guide to Safe Winter Driving - December 2010

Stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow.
Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving - accelerate, steer and brake as progressively as possible.
Wear comfortable dry shoes, cumbersome, snow covered boots may slip off pedals.
Carry an ice scraper, de-icer, food, hot flask, blanket and warning triangle in the car (also carry an old sack or rug – see No.5).
If you get stuck straighten the steering and clear the snow in front of the wheels. Put the sack/rug in front of the driving wheels to give grip, once moving try not to stop until on firmer ground.
Clear snow from the roof, as well as windows. Snow from the roof could fall on to your windscreen obscuring your view or blow on to someone else’s car and you could be fined up to £2,500.00 if the Police deem your vehicle to be a danger to other road users.
Keep to main/gritted roads where ever possible. If un-gritted roads are on your route, consider if the journey is essential.
Never let other drivers “push” you in to driving faster than you are comfortable with.
Make sure your vehicle has enough anti-freeze in the system.
Make sure your mobile phone is charged and that it contains relevant contact numbers including that of your breakdown service.