How to drive safely in extreme weather :Cross Stitch – Travel and transport
Extreme weather conditions and icy roads can make driving more difficult, especially in winter. By following the Highways Agency’s advice you can help to make your journey safer and reduce delays for everyone.
Make sure you don’t get caught out when severe weather strikes.
Check and service your vehicle
You can reduce your chances of breaking down by regularly servicing your car.
You should also:
- top up anti-freeze and screenwash
- check for wear and tear on wiper blades (replace them as soon as they start to smear rather than clean windows)
- make sure your battery is fully charged (batteries last between two and four years – replace yours if it’s no longer reliable)
- keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level and check you have at least 3 millimetres of tread
- wipe dirt and spray off headlamps and make sure all bulbs are working
Carry an emergency kit
A basic kit should include:
- map
- jump leads for the car battery
- torch
- warning triangle
- ice scraper and de-icer
- first-aid kit
- warm clothes
If you are planning a long trip or if severe weather is forecast, you may want to add:
- a shovel (if there’s a chance of snow)
- a pair of boots
- a blanket
- any medication you need to take regularly
- food and a thermos with a hot drink
Sunglasses are useful too, because of the glare in snowy conditions.
On slippery roads, it can take up to ten times longer to stop – reduce your speed and drive carefully, even if roads have been gritted
In the most severe weather conditions, you should only drive if you really need to. Otherwise it may be better to delay your journey until the weather improves.
Even after roads have been treated in winter, driving conditions may remain challenging – especially if there is a high risk of ice. Be aware that ice forms more easily on:
- hilly or exposed roads
- roads that pass under or over a bridge
- roads shaded by trees or buildings
However carefully you plan your journey, things can go wrong. An accident or bad weather could mean that a road is closed for a time.
If you’re on a closed stretch of the motorway
If you find yourself on a stretch of motorway that is closed, stay in the car and listen to traffic news. The Highways Agency feeds up-to-date news to local radio. Tune in by pressing ‘TA’ on your radio.
If you’re stuck in queues
If you find yourself in a queue on the road, check the electronic message signs for real-time information and instructions.
If there’s a road accident
If an accident has stopped traffic moving, Highways Agency Traffic Officers or Incident Support Unit staff will put emergency plans into action at the scene. You should stay in the car and follow their instructions.