In order to minimise accident risk, drivers need to adapt their driving to the different conditions. The following tips may help you cope better with the various seasonal weather hazards.

Prepare your vehicle for winter

• Have your vehicle fully serviced before winter starts and have the anti-freeze tested
• Check that your lights are clean and working. Make sure your battery is fully charged.
• Always keep the windscreen and windows clean and the washer bottle filled with screen wash to the correct concentration. This will prevent the solution from freezing.

Items you should carry in your vehicle in the winter 

Items to carry in your vehicle

In the boot	In the Car
tow rope spare bulbs shovel hazard warning triangle working spare tyre high visibility jacket jump leads Wellington boots or similar	de-icing equipment first aid equipment (in good order) working torch car blanket fire extinguisher (fully operative)

Before setting of on your journey;

• Make sure you know and understand the hazards and risks of all types of weather conditions, especially ice, snow and fog - before you venture out.
• Short-term weather forecasts are now very accurate, so listen to local/national weather broadcasts. Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive and avoid making your journey unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Clear your windows and mirrors completely of snow and ice before you set off.

On the road in Snow and Ice

 

• Hail, heavy snow and rain all reduce visibility - use dipped headlights. 
• Only travel at a speed which you will be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear. 
•  Driving in windy conditions is stressful and tiring, stop before fatigue steps in, irrespective of how far you have travelled or how long you have been on the road. 
•  Keep your vehicle well ventilated. The car heater full on can quickly make you drowsy. 
•  Always reduce your speed smoothly and in plenty of time on slippery surfaces. Avoid harsh braking and acceleration, or coarse steering. 
•  Slow down in plenty of time for bends and corners. Black ice, caused when rain freezes on the road surface, will make your steering feel light..
• To brake on ice and snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use your brakes gently.

On the road in fog 

• Remember to drive defensively and always to be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear. 
• Switch on headlights and fog lamps if visibility is reduced. 
• Do not 'hang on' to the rear lights of the car in front as you will be too close to be able to brake safely. 
• Switch off distracting noise and open the window slightly so that you can listen for other traffic, especially at crossroads and junctions. 
• Beware of speeding up immediately visibility improves slightly. In patchy fog you could find yourself 'driving blind' again only moments later.

KEEP YOUR SPEED DOWN AND GIVE YOURSELF TIME!