DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS

SNOW AND ICE

Only travel if you have to

Ensure you have the correct tyre pressure and the tread depth

Clear your vehicle of snow and ice before setting off

Put your lights on

Allow plenty of time for your journey and change your route to main roads if possible

Avoid hills and exposed roads

Always accelerate gently with low revs  Second gear is considered the best gear to move off in

Increase the gap between your car and the car in front by 10 to allow extra space for stopping safely

Avoid braking suddenly to avoid locking the wheels and skidding

Take extra care at road junctions where road markings may not be visible

Snow ploughs and gritters travel at around 40mph and have flashing amber lights  Only overtake them if it is safe to do so to avoid spray and salt

Be prepared in case you are stranded and it is recommended you carry a torch de-icer scraper first aid kit warm clothing and boots a shovel and jump leads  Consider taking a warm drink and some food with you

WET WEATHER

Stopping distances in the rain will be doubled and tyres will have less grip  Steering may become unresponsive with less tyre grip and you will be more likely to aquaplane  If this happens, gradually slow down whilst easing off acceleration

Visibility is reduced with the spray from the roads so ensure your windscreen wipers are in good working order

WINDY WEATHER

There is a risk of being blown off course and of side winds  Driving at high speed is not 

recommended  High sided vehicles and motorcycles are at most risk

FOG

During fog ensure you have your lights on and keep your distance from the vehicle in front  Use fog lights when visibility is very poor

HOT WEATHER

Whilst driving in warm conditions can be more favourable but steering and braking can become altered in hot weather  The road can soften in the heat and visibility from the sun can be compromised  If hot weather follows a spell of rain the road can become very slippery