Motorists are being advised to take seven key steps to stay safe on the roads after the Met Office issued a series of weather warnings for snow and ice. The alerts began yesterday (Sunday, November 17) and are set to continue in some areas until Wednesday (November 20).
The forecaster predicted “a chance of disruption and difficult travel conditions due to snow and ice” across central and northern Scotland. The weather warning is in place for 43 hours, coming into force at 4pm today and lasting until 10am on Wednesday morning. Affected areas include Perth, Aberdeen and the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
With potential travel disruption on the horizon, a TikTok user has shared essential tips for drivers to consider before hitting the road this week. PassMeFast’s video outlines seven considerations for motorists braving the wintry conditions.
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Take your time and plan ahead
Taking the time to plan your route can help you avoid trouble spots on the roads. Some routes might be closed or particularly treacherous, while others could be congested.
Manage your speed
On icy roads, maintaining control of your vehicle’s speed is crucial. Driving more slowly can reduce the risk of skidding on ice. If you do lose traction, it will be easier to regain control and avoid accidents.
Make room for longer stopping distances
Braking distances can increase by 10 times on icy roads, and tyres do not grip as efficiently in cold conditions as they do on dry roads. Drivers should leave up to 10 times the normal gap between their vehicle and the car ahead to minimise the chances of a crash.
Brake on bends
Drivers should accelerate and brake more gently in the cold, as cars are more difficult to control on wet or icy roads. Brake before you reach a bend, not on it, to make sure you maintain control as you navigate the change in direction.
Steer into skids
If you do skid on the road, you should steer in the direction of the skid. If your vehicle’s rear wheels are sliding to the left, you should steer left, and the reverse applies if your rear wheels are sliding to the right.
Take your foot off the accelerator, but avoid braking as it can make a skid more dangerous. As you steer, your rear wheels may begin sliding in the opposite direction. If this happens, gently ease the steering wheel toward that side and straighten the wheel again once your car has levelled out.
Turn on your dipped headlights
The Highway Code says drivers should use dipped headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, meaning you can see less than 100m in front of you. This not only applies to driving in the dark, but also in inclement weather conditions.
Approach hills carefully
If you’re tackling a hill in icy or wet conditions, it’s best to accelerate before you hit the incline, allowing your motor to build up momentum. This will aid in reaching the summit without losing traction.
Keep a steady pace rather than constantly accelerating to prevent your tyres from losing grip. Try not to shift gears when you’re halfway up the hill.
When driving downhill, slow down before you start descending. Use a low gear to avoid skidding and apply the brakes gently only if necessary.