Winter driving safety

Winter weather creates some of the most challenging driving conditions of the year. Snow, ice, rain, fog, flooding, strong winds and reduced daylight can all increase collision risk. By preparing your vehicle, planning your journey and adapting your driving style, you can reduce the risks associated with winter travel.

Snow and ice

Snow and ice dramatically reduce grip and increase stopping distances.

Key tips

• Reduce your speed
• Accelerate gently
• Avoid harsh braking
• Steer smoothly
• Increase following distances significantly
• Slow down well before bends and junctions
• Use dipped headlights when visibility is reduced

Allow extra stopping distance

On icy roads, braking distances can be up to ten times greater than normal. Maintain a much larger gap between your vehicle and the one ahead.

Be aware of hidden ice

Roads can appear clear while isolated icy patches remain, particularly:

• Under bridges
• In shaded areas
• On untreated roads

If you get stuck in snow

Try rocking the vehicle gently backwards and forwards using the highest practical gear rather than spinning the wheels. Excessive wheelspin usually makes the problem worse.

If you become trapped in a snowdrift

• Stay with your vehicle
• Contact breakdown services or emergency services
• Wait for assistance
• Avoid leaving the vehicle unless absolutely necessary

Driving in rain and floods

Heavy rain affects visibility and significantly increases stopping distances.

When driving in rain:

• Reduce your speed
• Increase following distances
• Use headlights when appropriate
• Use wipers and washers effectively

What is aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning occurs when tyres lose contact with the road surface and ride on a film of water. This can result in a temporary loss of steering, braking and control.

To reduce the risk:

• Slow down in wet conditions
• Maintain correct tyre pressures
• Ensure adequate tyre tread depth

If aquaplaning occurs:

• Ease off the accelerator
• Do not brake sharply
• Allow speed to reduce naturally until grip returns

Driving through floodwater

Floodwater can be deeper than it appears, and a relatively small amount of water can float a car or cause damage.

Before entering floodwater

• Assess the depth carefully
• If in doubt, do not drive through water. Find an alternative route.

 If you proceed

• Drive slowly
• Use a low gear
• Maintain steady momentum
• Check brakes after leaving the water

Driving in fog

Fog is one of the most dangerous driving conditions because visibility can reduce suddenly and dramatically.

Safe driving in fog

• Reduce speed significantly
• Use headlights and fog lights when needed
• Keep a larger gap from vehicles ahead
• Avoid following the rear lights of another vehicle too closely
• Use demisters and wipers to maintain visibility
• Allow extra journey time 

Fog lights

Rear fog lights should be switched off when visibility improves sufficiently for vehicles behind to see you clearly, preventing glare for other road users.

Driving in strong winds

Strong winds can affect vehicle stability, particularly for:

• High-sided vehicles
• Caravans
• Motorcyclists
• Cyclists

Tips for windy conditions

• Reduce speed
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
• Give cyclists and motorcyclists extra room
• Take extra care when overtaking large vehicles

Driving in low winter sunshine

Winter sun can create significant glare problems, particularly during morning and evening commutes.

Reduce the effects of glare

• Slow down if visibility is affected
• Keep windscreens clean inside and out
• Carry suitable sunglasses
• Remove sunglasses when light conditions deteriorate

Winter driving for work

Employers whose staff drive for work should consider adopting a winter driving policy. Journey planning, weather monitoring and risk assessment should form part of any driving-for-work strategy.

Good practice includes:

• Reviewing emergency procedures
• Ensuring vehicles carry appropriate equipment
• Building extra journey time into schedules
• Considering whether journeys need to take place at all during severe weather