Sensible precautions the key to driving in snow and ice
DIAmond Advanced Motorists – which administers advanced driving tests on behalf of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) – is calling on drivers to consider seeking advanced driver training to help them cope with the snow and icy conditions caused by the current spell of wintry weather, and which are likely to re-occur in the coming months.
Mike Frisby, DIAmond chief examiner said: “Not enough drivers are equipped with the skills to drive in these conditions. They are failing to take basic, yet sensible, precautions before getting into their cars and are unaware that, for example, driving in the appropriate gear will lessen the risk of them losing control in the ice and snow.”
Some of the things to consider are:
Ensure that all of your windows are clear, which may even mean using a large broom to sweep snow of the roof of the car. If you leave snow on the roof and brake too heavily, it will slide down and cover the windscreen.
You must be able to see what is happening all around you, including clearing the back window. It is essential to know just how close following traffic is, in order to adjust your speed in good time before turning in to a side road or stopping.
Ensure that you clear the snow away from your front and rear lights, indicators and brake lights. And remember: fog lights are for fog, not snow.
When moving off, select second or even third gear: if in a vehicle fitted with automatic transmission, a manual gear (often gear 2) is the better option. A higher gear will reduce the power being transferred to the driving wheels and lessen the chances of wheelspin.
When driving along the road, consider using a higher gear than normal. For example, if you drive in second gear at 20 mph use third gear. Again this will help to keep the wheels rotating and reduce the chance of them slipping. If you are driving an automatic vehicle consider staying in gear 2: this will stop the gearbox searching for another gear and help with the overall control.
Above all, plan well ahead. Remember to brake in the snow and ice before you would brake in normal conditions, as it takes longer to stop. You should also allow the car to reduce speed naturally by easing off the accelerator when you need to slow down. The secret is not to drive so quickly that you need to brake: as a rule, you should slow down when you can and not when you have to. If you can see you are approaching a descent, slow down in good time, or even stop and get out to see what you are about to encounter.
The DIAmond Advanced Test not only equips drivers with improved skills and arms them with the knowledge to allow them to drive safely in all conditions, but also enables them to drive more efficiently, increase the comfort of their passengers, lowers their risk of being involved in a road traffic collision and can also lead to lower insurance premiums.
For more information, visit driving.org.