Snow can lead to beautiful landscapes, but can cause plenty of problems, too. If you’re a new driver, here are the essential, RAC-approved tips you need to navigate dangerous winter driving conditions.
While we don’t always get snow in the UK, it’s not that uncommon either. Perhaps because of snow’s sporadic appearances, many British people are not comfortable driving in snowy conditions – and that’s especially true of new drivers.
If you’ve only recently received your full driving licence, there’s a good chance you’ve never driven in snow before. To make sure that you’re safe, take the time to absorb our top winter driving tips.
We spoke to Simon Williams, Head of Policy at the RAC, to learn more about how to drive well during wintry conditions.
Simon joined the RAC in June 2012, and now heads up the PR and external affairs team.
As Head of Policy, he is the RAC’s lead spokesperson on fuel, electric vehicles, road safety, road maintenance and insurance.
As an industry expert, Simon regularly provides comment, analysis, and insights on these and other motoring issues on radio and television.
Let's see what Simon has to say about the dangers of winter driving, and the importance of caution during these chillier spells.
The main reason that you need to be extra careful driving during winter is because the chance of an accident taking place is so much higher.
According to Admiral, November, December and January see the most car insurance claims – so taking care is crucial.
According to Simon, the first decision to make is whether or not to set out if there's lots of snow and ice on the roads.
Knowing when to stay at home is essential for safe winter driving.
“Driving in wintry conditions can be very challenging, so it’s important to make the right decision about whether or not to set out.
"If there’s lots of snow and ice on the roads and your journey isn’t essential, it’s probably best to stay put."
You need to think carefully, then, about whether it's worth taking to the road.
Of course, the safety of the British public is far and away our main concern here, but there’s another reason to get informed on winter driving. Driving improperly could cost you money!
Did you know that you could receive a hefty fine of up to £30,000 if you’re caught breaking one or multiple laws whilst driving in snowy conditions?
So there are two excellent reasons to pay serious attention to these winter driving tips!
If you, like so many others, have no choice but to head out, you need to know how to manage the hazardous conditions.
"Of course, many people have no option but to drive, so it’s vital they make sure their vehicles are as well prepared as possible," explains Simon.
Safe winter driving isn’t only about how you act once you’re out on the road, but about making sure your vehicle is good to go before setting off.
Keep these top tips in mind the next time you plan on heading out during wintry weather.
1. Allow extra time for journeys
When it’s dark and wet, and the roads are slippery, slowing down is a must. That inevitably means journeys take longer than they would during other parts of the year.
By leaving early and allowing extra time to complete your journey, you’re making sure you won’t be late. If you don’t leave adequate time, you might feel like rushing – and that is the kind of dangerous behaviour that leads to accidents.
2. Stick to major roads, where possible
While quiet, rural roads will certainly look beautiful after snowfall, there’s a high chance they won’t have been cleared and gritted. Major roads, on the other hand, will have been.
By sticking to the main roads, you can avoid the most dangerous routes where accidents are more likely to happen. Plan your journey accordingly.
3. De-ice and prepare your car
When you’re rushing out, hoping to get somewhere on time, it might feel tempting to only half-finish de-icing your car. But that’s a mistake.
Ice, snow, and mist on your windshield all drastically reduce visibility, making safe driving impossible. Head to your car early to make sure you have the time needed to completely clear your car of these impediments.
Remember, too, if you fail to de-ice your car properly, you could be fined up to £60 and receive 3 points on your licence.
You'll need to make sure your car is up to the challenge, too. Part of that comes down to what you've got packed in your arsenal.
Simon says "Having good tyres that have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressures is a must, as is ensuring you’ve topped up with the right coolant so that it doesn’t freeze.
"A good quality screenwash that protects down to at least -10C is vital to keep your windscreen clear while driving in the freezing conditions.”
4. Clear your headlights
During winter, driving visibility takes a noticeable dip. You’ll need to use your headlights even throughout daylight hours, but that’s hardly something you can do if they’re covered in snow and ice.
Check your headlights are clear before driving your car and, if they’re not, make sure you thoroughly clean them off before your journey begins.
Now that you’ve properly prepared your car for winter driving, you need to think about how you act when you’re on the road. Bear these tips in mind in the chilly weeks and months ahead.
1. Drive slowly and maintain distances
If there’s one thing you need to remember during winter, it’s to reduce your speed. Accelerating and decelerating gradually not only gives you more time to react but helps you avoid skidding.
Maintaining a safe following distance of around 5 seconds behind the car in front of you will give you ample time to break, even with slippery roads. Always remember that stopping distances are significantly longer on icy roads.
2. Practice gentle control techniques
Practising gentle steering, braking, and acceleration is always smart, but it becomes absolutely essential when driving in wintry conditions.
Avoiding sudden movements – like abrupt lane changes and quick turns – will reduce the likelihood of skidding. Conversely, smooth, deliberate manoeuvres will help you to maintain stability, even on slippery surfaces.
If you do end up skidding on icy patches, gently steer into the skid and avoid slamming on the brakes, which could just make things worse.
3. Use proper lighting
Winter is notorious for low visibility conditions and heavy snowfall, so make sure to turn your headlights on.
Low beams will enhance visibility without causing glare for other drivers – and this is why it’s key to make sure your vehicle’s headlights have been cleared before you set off.
Like always, you must always use your signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers, giving them ample time to react.
4. Take extra care on bridges and overpasses
You might not realise it, but road surfaces on bridges and overpasses tend to freeze more quickly than on other roads since they’re exposed to cold air on both sides.
Always approach these areas cautiously. Reduce your speed before entering, and maintain a steady pace that will help you avoid losing control.
5. Navigate hills smoothly
Driving up or down hills in winter can be especially challenging.
When ascending, gather momentum before the incline and try to avoid stopping midway. When descending a hill, use a lower gear to control your speed and avoid using the brakes excessively, as that can result in skidding.
As with other aspects of winter driving, the aim is to avoid sudden movement changes.
When wintry conditions are particularly dangerous, the safest decision is to avoid driving altogether. Heavy snow, rain, fog, and darkness can all affect your ability to drive safely and leave you at risk.
Obviously, there are times when heading out on the road is unavoidable. In times like these, our tips will come in handy.
And if, as a new driver, you’re still feeling unsure about driving in frigid conditions? Then it’s worth considering taking advanced driving lessons.
They can give you the driving skills you need to drive safely, even in more hazardous conditions. And they’ll boost your confidence, too.
Just make sure you know how to find the best driving instructors in your area, first.
After learning to drive, you might think you’re the finished article as a driver – but there’s always room for improvement, even for experienced drivers.
Winter’s adverse weather conditions are a serious threat to your safety – and the well-being of other drivers and pedestrians. Accordingly, you should make sure you take the time to improve your driving ability.
If you’d like to book an advanced driving course, take the time to browse the leading driving instructors near you or post a free enquiry and let driving instructors reach out to you directly.