Winter Driving Tips

Driving in ice and snow can be extremely tricky, especially for new drivers. If you've never driven in these weather conditions, we'd advise you follow some of these tips.

1) Do you really need to go out? If there's 10 inches of snow covering your road, do you really need to drive up to the garage to get a pint of milk? Make sure that your journey is essential and check the latest traffic reports before you leave.

2) One of the most common mistakes new drivers make when driving in wind is to not keep a firm hold of the steering wheel. A sudden gust of wind can wrench the wheel out of your hands, always keep two hand on the wheel at all times. Also watch out for other vulnerable road users such as cyclists who could be blown off their bicycles.

3) In foggy weather, make sure you don't use your full beam as it will reflect off the fog and you'll be able to see even less than before. Always turn on your fog lights, but don't forget to turn them off if you come out a fog bank and the police can fine you for using them unnecessarily.

4) In icy conditions, extend your braking distances by at least 8 times. Icy mornings can make roads like ice rings, car accidents are very common because people haven't left enough space to brake comfortably.

5) Drive in as high a gear(eg. 5th gear) as possible when driving on icy roads, this helps to avoid wheel spin. If you don't have ABS, you will most likely need to pump your breaks to help avoid skidding.

6) Always fully defrost your car before setting off, not only is it dangerous to just clear a small patch in your windscreen, it is also illegal because your vision has been blocked. The police are taking a dim view of this approach and have been issuing penalty points recently.

7) If your car begins to skid, do not slam on the brakes, ABS is not guaranteed to be of any use of particularly icy roads. Instead turn your wheel into the skid, this will help to bring the car around and should allow you to guide the car more successfully.

Driving in winter conditions can be taxing for experienced drivers let alone new drivers, by following some of these tips you should be able to avoid making a common mistake. The best way to avoid having an accident in snowy or icy conditions is to simply not go out.