Community safety
Driving in winter
Preparing for icy and snowy weather conditions.
Reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces make winter driving particularly hazardous. Adjust to the driving conditions. Whether it's frosty and icy, foggy, or heavy rain, slow down and give yourself time to react.
Plan ahead
Ask yourself if you need to travel. If you do, there are some things you can do to prepare.
Prepare yourself
- plan your route to check if there are any problem hotspots, and allow plenty of time to get to your destination
- charge your mobile phone
- pack a winter driving kit in case of an emergency. This might include:
- a torch
- a blanket and warm clothes
- food and drink
- first-aid kit
- a spade
- a warning triangle and high-visibility vest
Prepare your vehicle
- check your fuel level, antifreeze and oil to avoid the risk of breakdown.
- check your lights and tyres. Your tyres should be in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 3mm (good tread is essential in bad weather)
Use the right gear
Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin when driving in icy or snowy conditions. Some automatic models have a winter-driving mode and automatically select a higher gear when driving off.
Adjust your speed
Keep an eye on the changing conditions and change your behaviour accordingly. A corner safely taken at 40mph on a sunny day could be dangerous in other weather conditions.
Be visible
Keep your headlights on and dipped in poor visibility. If you have automatic lights, you can override them.
Where fog, snow or rain severely restricts visibility, your fog lights will make you more visible.
Fog lights
Only use fog lights when your usual lights are not enough, usually around 100 metres of visibility.
Fog lights are brighter than standard tail lights, so other motorists may not notice your brake light when you brake.
As soon as visibility improves, you must switch off the fog lights.
Keep your distance
The two-second rule applies in normal driving conditions. But when it's icy, allow ten times more.
Drive smoothly
You're more likely to keep control if you manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.
Assume the road is icy
Black ice can look like a glossy sheen on the road. In some cases, you may not see it at all. Be extra cautious on exposed or shaded stretches of road or where there is less traffic.
If you hit a patch of black ice, don't panic.
- keep the steering wheel straight
- maintain your speed, do not brake
- use the gears to slow down if necessary
- avoid any sudden movements that could destabilise the car
If your car starts skidding, steer into it. For example, steer to the right if your car is skidding right. Do not brake hard, but pulse your brake gently.
Stopping on icy roads
To stop on ice or snow without locking your wheels:
- get into a low gear earlier than normal
- allow your speed to drop
- use the brake pedal gently
If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator and do not brake suddenly.
The Highway Code
The Highway Code sets out the rules for driving when the weather turns cold and foggy.
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