With the colder months starting to close in many are dreaming of curling up next to the fire with a warm drink. Yet with the festive period soon to be upon us, many people will brave the cold and icy conditions to travel and visit family and friends scattered across the country. Drivers need to stay safe upon the roads to ensure that everyone gets where they need to be in one piece.
Safe driving in bad weather all starts with everyone slowing down. Ice riddled roads and misty skies are not the time to be careening around corners and rushing. Savvy drivers will take extra time when heading out on their journey and will go below the speed limit when possible. With poor visibility dampening drivers spirits it is well worth leaving extra space between you and the car in front to ensure you have plenty of room to stop without a collision.
Driving on roads you don’ know well in harsh weather conditions can be problematic and it may be worth selecting another more well-trodden route rather than taking the risk. Delegating driver duties to someone who is more familiar with the roads can be a better option as knowing what to expect around the corner can certainly help to minimize the risk.
Bad weather can put the mark of danger on corners and drivers should be extra vigilant when it comes to curves on the road and bridges where black ice can lie in wait. If you happen to slip and slide on a corner then avoid slamming down on the brakes and instead try and avoid careening on bends by slowing down before you make the turn.
Sometimes drivers can set off in seemingly clear conditions but if the weather takes a turn for the worse when you are out on the road it may be best to pull over and ride it out. Snow storms, blizzards and icy rains can make safe driving an impossible feat. If in doubt or suffering a lapse of confidence simply swing into a service station and order up a hot coffee while you wait for the storms to pass and the roads to clear.
Thick fog and heavy snow can often result in your car getting off track and ending up on the side of the road. If this happens either because you decided to pull over or you slipped then make sure you switch of your lights. Other drivers may mistake your lights for a sign that you are on the road and poor visibility could prompt them to follow you resulting in confusion and ultimately a collision.
Winter driving doesn’t come risk free but as long as drivers remain calm, vigilant and aware of the weather outside and their surroundings, road travel can be a lot safer for all. Keeping an eye on the forecast before you commit to the roads and making sure that you travel with breakdown cover, a mobile phone and prior knowledge of your route can all help to keep everyone sound this winter.
