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