How To Keep Safe On The Roads In The Winter

Tips To Keeping Safe In The Winter

With the colder months fast approaching, it’s important to be aware of some key things when it comes to driving in the winter. Many additional dangers come with the winter months, and it’s all too easy for an accident to occur because of the cold. As such, there are some specific adaptations that you will need to make and safety precautions that you should take – particularly if you have a disability. 

This blog post highlights various essential winter car checks and provides advice on how you can keep safe whilst behind the wheel this winter.

Winter Car Checks

Safety is the number one priority for anyone driving in the winter months. Dangers such as ice on the road, low visibility, and frost can pose a serious threat to drivers. To ensure that you are as safe as possible on the roads this winter, you should:

• Check all tyre pressures are correct and that you have sufficient tread depth on the tyres too.
• Make sure your wipers work effectively; they should be regularly cleaned to offer better visibility whilst driving in snowy conditions. You may also need new blades if yours do not reach the required standard.
• Keep your screen wash topped up and use a good quality de-icer to clear the windscreen before you set off on a journey.
• Make sure your lights are clean and working correctly – including dipped headlights, front fog lights (if you have them), and rear fog lights if driving in low visibility conditions.
• There are also several adaptations that you may need to make if you have a disability – either upper or lower body. These can include car adaptations such as hand controls or pedal extensions.

Driving In The Snow

The first step to take is to get winter tyres fitted to your vehicle and ensure that they have sufficient tread depth too. These tyres are specifically designed to cope with extreme conditions and will offer better grip, allowing you to stop the vehicle more easily.

Additionally, you must make sure your windscreen is completely clear before you set off. You can achieve this by using a good quality de-icer or screen wash and then using your wipers to effectively remove all debris before you set off.

Last but not least, it’s important to be aware of the following when driving in snowy conditions:

• Drive slowly and keep a safe distance from the car in front.
• Be aware of hidden hazards such as a parked car or road furniture, which may not be visible due to the snow.
• Do not use your brakes unnecessarily; this will only cause them to freeze up. If you need to slow down, use engine braking instead.
• If your car starts to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to point.

At PB Conversions, we can make driving in the winter as safe as possible for those with disabilities. We provide a range of car adaptations, including hand controls and left foot accelerators, which can make driving a lot easier and safer. Contact us today for more information or give us a call on 01525 850588.