Winter driving

Every year there are around 10 fatal and 125 injury crashes where bad weather is a contributing factor. However bad weather seldom causes crashes on its own. Generally crashes occur because people haven't adjusted their driving behaviour to the conditions. Wet and slippery roads are less forgiving when a driver makes a mistake. That is why extra care and attention is required for winter driving.

Winter driving doesn't have to be dangerous or intimidating. By preparing your vehicle and adjusting your driving for the conditions, you can go a long way towards ensuring your safety and that of others on the roads this winter.

Prepare your vehicle

A few simple steps can help you ensure your vehicle is prepared for whatever winter throws your way:

• Have your vehicle checked out. Many garages offer safety checks covering tyres, lights, brakes, cooling systems, fanbelts, batteries and alternators.
• Make sure that your heater, fans, wipers, defrosters and demisters are working.
• Antifreeze is an essential winter ingredient for your car's engine.

It's a good idea to keep warm clothes, blankets and even a small supply of food in your car. All of these will help you stay warm if you become stranded. Consider carrying a cellphone for emergencies. Always carry chains if you expect to encounter snow.

Driving in the wet

Remember that stopping distances are nearly doubled on wet roads - slow down and keep a generous following distance between you and the car in front. The two-second rule should become at least the four-second rule.

Be extra vigilant: take corners slowly. Heed road signs warning of flooding and remember that you will need more time to stop and avoid hazards in wet conditions.

Driving in snow and ice

Whenever possible, avoid driving in heavy snow. If you do drive in snow, SLOW down.

Braking distances are greatly increased on snow and ice. Avoid braking suddenly. Give the brake pedal a few soft taps rather than one hard push, to avoid sending your vehicle into a skid. Remember to carry chains, and use them when necessary.

Driving up hill

Climbing and descending hills in snow requires special care. Climb hills in the highest possible gear - lower engine revs will minimise the chances of losing traction and spinning your wheels.

Driving downhill

Descend hills very slowly, putting your vehicle in a low gear (2nd is usually better than 1st) before beginning the descent.

If you decide to change to a lower gear while going downhill, do it very gently. The compression effect of the engine as a lower gear is selected can cause the front wheels to slide.

If there are tracks in the snow in front of you, follow in them if it is safe to do so. If you are travelling in convoy, alternate vehicles with chains and those without. This will prevent the snow-covered surface from becoming glazed and icy.

Driving in fog

When driving in fog adjust your speed to the visibility levels. Keep your headlamps on dipped (low) beam, as high beam will reflect off fog and produce glare, further reducing visibility. Note that it is against the law to use fog lamps in clear conditions (day or night) because they can dazzle other road users.

 

Last updated: 27 February 2005