Last Updated on December 24, 2020 by HodgePodgeDays
As Christmas approaches many people are busy making plans to visit friends and relatives up and down the country. If you’ve got a family in tow, it’s often easier to pack your car up rather than travel by train or coach with them, but winter driving has its own hazards. Read on for some top tips for safe winter driving.
In the UK we are largely unused to driving in icy, snowy conditions, so when the winter weather is at its worst many drivers struggle. On family car journeys I am always chief navigator and in charge of the map reading and snacks. Preparation is key when you’re going on a long journey in winter.
Winter Driving Packing Essentials
- Drinks – hot and cold
- Snacks
- Blankets
- A snow shovel
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- A spare battery pack for your phone.
I would also suggest taking a map with you as well as your sat nav. I’ve lost count of the number of times our sat nav has failed us and I’ve had to guide us to our destination with a good old fashioned map.
Winter Driving in snow and ice
In Scandinavia, people learning to drive spend time learning to drive safely in the extreme winter weather they have over there. In the UK this is not often the case, your instructor may touch upon how to deal with different driving conditions, but the only thing we’re really prepared for is rain.
- When driving in icy conditions, avoid braking suddenly, this may cause you to skid and lose control.
- Drive slower than normal to reduce your chances of skidding and having an accident.
- Make sure you approach bends and corners with extra care, always look ahead and anticipate the conditions ahead.
- If you lose control, don’t panic! Take your foot off the accelerator, and position you wheels in the direction you want to go in.
For more advice and information on driving safely in the winter, you can download this useful ebook from Chill Insurance, providers of some of the cheapest car insurance available in the UK.
What are your top tips for winter driving?
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