Driving tips issued by safety charity, as weather warnings stay in place

Ex-Cop’s top driving tips for the snow

With heavy snow still disrupting the UK, a former long-serving police officer who is now Chief Riding Examiner for advanced driving and motorcycling at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), has shared advice to keep the public safe when travelling.

With over 30 years of experience , Andy Nixon has seen firsthand the pitfalls that drivers often face in disruptive weather.

Andy’s Top Five Tips

1. Be ready for anything.

“Brace yourself and pack for the worst. Just in case you get held up in the cold, pack extra layers of clothing, a shovel to help you dig yourself out of sticky situations and sustenance, such as warm drinks or soup to keep you going.”

2. Take your time.

“Don’t accelerate too hard or fast – stopping distance in ice and snow is around 10 times longer than it is in dry conditions. Take it steady and drive at a gradual, measured speed so it gives yourself time to react.

“When stopping, brake gently, and avoid sudden or harsh braking as this may cause the vehicle to skid. If possible, pull away in second gear by slowly releasing the clutch; this will stop the wheels from spinning. Nowadays, some automatic vehicles are fitted with a winter mode for starting off.

3. Check car components.

“A decent tyre depth of at least 1.6mm (Legal limit) is vital to reduce the risk of skidding, and clean, functioning lights are essential – even one headlight not working can dramatically increase the chance of a collision.

“It is important to make sure your wiper blades are not split and clear the screen properly – sometimes wipers may be frozen to the windscreen which may cause them to split if turned on so make sure you free them from the glass first before using them. “Finally, don’t take off if you don’t have enough fuel for your journey, as you don’t want to break down in wintry conditions.”

4. Keep windows clear.

“Make sure ALL windows are completely free from snow and ice before you start your journey; don’t just clear a peephole! Leave the house slightly earlier if necessary to make sure this is done. Remember: it is illegal if you are not able to clearly see out of your front windows. Always keep a scraper in your vehicle in case a frost buildup returns.”

5. Is it urgent?

“The most important thing is to ask yourself whether you need to make the journey – is it worth the risk of driving in ice or snow? Sometimes trips are unavoidable, but if it can wait or if you’re concerned about whether you feel confident to drive, delay the trip if possible.”

For more information on winter driving, read our factsheet here.