ADVICE FOR DRIVING IN THE SNOW

06 January 2010 16:12

Advice for Driving in the Snow  

Please remember, as per advice issued by the MET office, please do not drive unless absolutely necessary.Please do see below for general advice regarding driving in the snow.  

Driving in snow - Wheel spin in snow means you're too heavy with the accelerator. Start off in second gear and push the accelerator gently. In general you should drive more slowly and in a lower gear than you would normally.  

Engine braking - Engage a lower gear before descending a hill to slow down. Applying brakes may cause skidding.  

What to do when you skid - Don't panic and don't brake (you'll make the skid worse). Push the clutch. Steer towards the skid. When the car straightens continue as normal.  

Carry an emergency kit - A shovel for clearing snow, an ice-scraper for clearing your windscreen, a pair of Wellington boots, a first aid kit, a blanket and a torch are essential items on days when inclement weather is likely.  

Carry a demister - No, the end of your sleeve will not do. Carry a demisting cloth and let your front passenger worry about clearing the windscreen while you concentrate on the road.  

Dress appropriately - It's winter, so surely it's common sense that you should wrap up warm? Yet emergency services around the world have had to rescue people who have 'just popped out' and got caught in a snowdrift.  

Carry food and warm drinks - It might only be five miles to the next motorway services. But five miles might as well be five thousand if you're caught in stationary traffic on a snow-logged highway. Carry bags of seeds, nuts and fruits. A vacuum flask of hot tea or coffee can be a great comfort when stuck in a cold vehicle.  

Use an ice scraper - It's the most efficient way to remove ice from your windows.  

Source: AAH