Preparing for bad weather - driving in difficult weather conditions

Do you really need to go?

Sometimes it’s a braver decision to put off a trip than it is to battle on through fog, ice or snow. If you feel uneasy about the conditions and the only reason you’re going is because you don’t want to let down a friend or relative, or you promised yourself a bit of sale shopping – then stop and think. Surely it would be better for everyone to put it off a day or two than risk injury or damage to yourself or your car?

Preparations

If it’s a must, just make sure your car is fully fit for the conditions. Very wet roads and poor tread on types or patchy or bald tyres are not a good idea. Wet conditions and low washer fluid or worn wipers can be a real safety hazard. Given that most places that sell wipers these days will fit them for a few pounds, there’s really no excuse for squinting through a smeary window. Cracks in windscreens also need attention before it gets cold, because ice in a small chip or crack can quickly cause the crack to expand right across your field of vision. With Sheilas’ Wheels, you have windscreen cover – so again, no excuse! Faulty lights are a no-no in any conditions, but particularly in fog or snow. A temperamental battery is worth getting changed before you drive out to that remote country restaurant, not when you’re in the car park, the last one to leave.

In snow, clear your headlights and windscreen on the outside and never drive off with a steamed up windscreen – help it to clear by blowing warm air up onto the screen.

Drive within your own limits

Take it easy! If visibility is poor or conditions are icy, drive slowly and carefully. Whatever you do, don’t let some brash bloke flashing his lights in a hot hatch behind you push you to drive faster than you are comfortable with. Try to anticipate what other drivers may do and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front. Similarly, use your indicators in plenty of time so other road users understand what you intend to do.

Don’t forget, low sun, murky mornings and evenings drawing in can all make driving more difficult. THINK BIKE! Some of the worst accidents are caused when motorists simply don’t see cyclists or motorbikes.

INTERESTING FACT: The Highway Code (2007) states that a driver's stopping distance is twice as long on a wet road as it is on a dry one!