As winter approaches and temperatures drop, the risk of collisions on UK roads rises considerably.
Analysis of government data, has revealed that the winter months of November, December, and January see a spike in road traffic accidents due to reduced daylight hours and challenging weather conditions such as fog, ice, and snow.
Head of Churchill Motor, Nicholas Mantel, urges drivers to take caution, saying:
“As winter approaches, it’s more important than ever for drivers to take extra precautions.
"Simple steps like checking your tyre tread, ensuring your headlights and tailgates are working properly, slowing down in icy or wet conditions, and maintaining a safe following distance can make all the difference. We urge motorists to stay vigilant and prioritise safety on the roads this winter.”
Beat the elements and stay safe
So, what do you need to think about before driving in the winter weather? We’ve put together a selection of seasonal safety tips, so you can prepare both yourself and your vehicle for the most challenging of winter driving.
Prepare for your journey
Before you set off, clear any ice and snow that has formed on your car. Don’t just make a little porthole on the driver’s side of the windscreen! Give yourself enough time to remove all the ice and snow from your car. Ideally, you should use an ice-scraper and a de-icer.
Always stay with your car while it’s defrosting. And never leave your car alone with the keys in the ignition and the engine running, as if any opportunist thieves stop by, you could risk invalidating your car insurance.
To reduce the condensation on cold windows, use the air-conditioning (if you have it) instead of heated air to demist your windows more quickly and effectively.
Don't forget your winter driving survival kit
For longer journeys, always have with you:
- Ice-scraper
- De-icer for windows
- Mobile phone
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Flask of hot drink or soup
- Chocolate or other high-energy snacks
- Blankets and warm clothing
Save some room in the boot for emergency essentials such as:
- Duvet
- Warning triangle
- Torch
- Jump leads
- Towrope
- First-aid kit
- Spade (if heavy snow is expected)
Protect yourself from the winter sun's glare
The glare from low winter sun is much worse on dirty windscreens, so make sure you keep all your windows clean and smear-free in winter. Wearing a suitable pair of anti-glare sunglasses when you're driving can help too.
Stay safe throughout your journey
Stopping distances can be 10 times longer in ice and snow, which means that at 50mph it will take you 530 metres – or 130 car lengths – to come to a halt. Watch your speed and only drive as fast as the conditions allow.
Allow more time for your journey
To minimise your risk of an accident, don’t rush. Allow plenty of time to get where you're going and accept that you may arrive at your destination later than planned. Drive slowly, manoeuvre gently, decelerate more and brake less.
Minimise your risk of skidding
Keep to the main roads after snowfall as they're more likely to have been gritted. Try to limit gear changes by driving slowly in the highest gear possible, without straining your engine. If you have an automatic, take it out of Drive and go into 2. This will limit gear changes and make you less reliant on the brakes.
Accelerating heavily or braking abruptly in snowy or icy conditions can cause skidding. If your wheels lock and you go into a skid, ease off the accelerator or take your foot off the brake pedal and gently steer into the direction of the skid until your tyres grip the road again. Don't overcorrect as you'll end up sliding the other way.
Black ice is another winter hazard to look out for. It occurs when rain or melted snow has frozen on the road surface. Because black ice is transparent, it can be very difficult to spot. Be extra cautious when driving on roads that may not receive much sunlight, such as in heavily wooded areas, or on the approach to bridges or tunnels where shade may allow black ice to form. As before, if you feel your car starting to slip, try to stay calm, take your foot off the accelerator and steer gently, avoiding any sudden manoeuvres.
Take extra care when driving at night
The drop in visibility at nighttime means you need to be even more cautious after dusk. As well as all the usual hazards of winter driving, it's harder to judge speed and distance and you're probably less alert. Slow down and use your fog lamps if visibility drops below 100 metres. If you wear glasses, an anti-glare coating will help reduce headlight glare.
Remember, if heavy snow is forecast or conditions are particularly cold, the safest choice is often to simply stay put and wait for the weather to improve.
