Driver safety
If you need to travel in difficult weather conditions, it’s important to be well prepared - both your vehicle and yourself.
Prepare your vehicle
You can help to keep yourself, and passengers, safe by:
- ensuring your vehicle is road-ready and suitable for winter conditions
- topping up windscreen washer fluid before leaving
- checking your lights - remember, it is not just about seeing, but being seen
- inspecting tyre pressures and tread depth
- considering fitting winter tyres, especially if driving in rural areas
- keeping a de-icer spray and scraper in the car for frosty mornings
Prepare yourself
In case of emergency, it is advisable to:
- pack a blanket or extra warm clothing
- bring a flask with a hot drink and some snacks
- carry a torch, sturdy boots, and a shovel
Driver safety advice
Remember:
- salting may not prevent ice in extreme conditions, especially on low-traffic roads
- to always drive according to current weather and road conditions
- to be aware of black ice - it is invisible and can remain even after treatment
- to watch out for dawn frosts, which can cause icy patches on damp roads