Plan Your Journey

Do you really need to go out in the car?

Check the local weather forecast.

If you have to go out, tell someone your route and what time your expected to get there.

If the weather is really bad make sure you have enough warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade.

Always make sure your windscreens are clean, carry a scraper and de-icer.

If you get into trouble

On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone, as the breakdown/emergency services will be able to locate you easily. If you have to use a mobile phone, make sure you know your location using the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder.

Abandoned vehicles can hold up rescue vehicles and snowploughs. To ensure that the road is cleared as quickly as possible, stay with your vehicle until help arrives.

If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you.

Vehicle condition

Keep the lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow.

Is you battery in good condition. Go to any local garage, they don't normally charge to have it checked out.

Make sure your radiator has anti-freeze in, put winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles to stop them freezing up.

Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are the correct pressure.

When roads are icy

It will take longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Drive slow, give yourself plenty of time to slow down or stop

Don't drive too close to the car infront.

Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.

Steer gently, avoiding braking hard and acceleration fast.

To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.

If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly.