Although driving obstacles present themselves in every season, winter is by far the most dangerous, mainly because of its potential for snow. As such, Insurance Revolution has put together a handy guide outlining how to drive in snow and ice.
- Wear comfortable dry shoes – If your shoes are wet from snow, it is a good idea to change into a dry pair before driving so your feet will not slip on the pedals.
- Accelerate slowly – It is important to pull away very gently in snow to avoid wheel spin, it is often useful to start in second gear.
- Leave large gaps – Stopping distances greatly increase in snowy weather, meaning you may need to leave up to 10 times the gap you would normally leave between you and the car in front.
- When driving up hill – Try to wait until is clear of other cars before making the ascent to ensure you don’t have to stop half way up. If that isn’t possible, leave a large gap between yourself and the car in front, keep a constant speed and avoid changing gear.
- When driving downhill – Again, leave a large gap between you and the car in front, reduce your speed before descending the hill and avoid braking, instead allowing your gears to slow you down.
- If you go into a skid – steer into it, keeping your wheels in the direction of the skid. For example, if your vehicle is sliding to the left, steer gently to the left. Don’t take your hands off the wheel or brake sharply.
- Keep a steady speed – Be careful to drive slow enough that you don’t risk losing control, but fast enough that you don’t risk losing momentum. Keep everything as steady and smooth as possible.
