Driving Safely in Winter Weather – Top Tips

16 December 2023

Be prepared before you travel 

• Check the weather forecasts and traffic warnings
• Plan your route – use major roads that are more likely to be cleared of ice and snow, allow extra time to get to your destination, factor in regular breaks if you have a long journey
• Check your petrol and don’t risk driving with a low amount, in case of delays 
• Clear snow from the car roof, so that it doesn’t fall onto the windscreen 
• Ensure your windscreen is clear of snow, ice and is fully demisted  
• Don’t drive if you’re unwell or taking medicine that could make you drowsy 
• Don’t drink alcohol and drive – be aware if you’ve been drinking alcohol the night before, you may not be sober enough to drive the next morning 
• Ensure the car lights are working 
• Check and top up anti-freeze  
• Check and top up your screenwash 
• Ensure you have the essentials in your car: 
• Ice scraper and de-icer  
• Fully charged mobile/charger 
• Torch/spare batteries 
• Details of your breakdown service provider 

Also consider taking: 

• Warm clothes 
• Sturdy footwear 
• Hot drinks and snacks 
• Shovel  
• First Aid kit 
• Sunglasses – snow can create glare from the sun 

Tips for driving safely 

• Drive slowly; stopping distances can be 10 times longer when it’s icy 
• Pull away in second gear – gently, to avoid wheel-spin 
• If you use your brakes, apply them gently 
• Leave plenty of room between other cars 
• When driving uphill, leave plenty of room in front so you can maintain a constant speed without the need for changing gear  
• When driving downhill use a low gear and try to avoid braking