Preparing for snow and ice
With freezing temperatures and the potential for snow returning to parts of the UK, winter driving safety tips are once again essential for trainers to reinforce with learners, trainees and fleet clients. Motoring expert Tim Rodie, from Motorpoint, has outlined five areas all drivers should focus on to stay safe when conditions deteriorate.
Allow time to fully defrost the vehicle
Driving with obscured windows not only increases risk, it can also lead to fines or penalty points. Rodie advises brushing away loose snow, relying on the car’s heater and, where available, air conditioning to clear ice thoroughly. Trainers should emphasise the importance of full visibility and remind pupils never to leave a running car unattended.
Ensure tyres are winter-ready
Tyre condition is critical in cold weather. Drivers must check tread depth, pressure and overall tyre health before setting off. Rodie notes that hazardous conditions demand even greater attention and recommends considering winter tyres, which perform better below 7°C due to their softer compound and enhanced tread patterns. This is particularly relevant for rural or early-morning travel.
Know your vehicle’s winter features
Modern cars include a range of systems designed to assist in icy conditions, such as four-wheel drive, heated windscreens, stability control settings and automatic lights and wipers. Trainers can help learners understand how these features work, as well as where to find winter-driving modes in the vehicle’s handbook.
Adapt driving behaviour
Stopping distances can increase up to tenfold on ice, making speed management and space-keeping vital. Rodie recommends leaving significantly more room between vehicles and considering pulling away in second gear to minimise wheel spin. Trainers should remind learners to adopt a calm, observant driving style and adapt to changing conditions throughout each journey.
Responding when things go wrong
Black ice and compacted snow remain common hazards, often invisible until too late. Rodie advises using existing wheel tracks where they reveal bare tarmac and reducing speed on shaded or tree-covered roads. If a skid occurs, easing off the accelerator and gently steering into the skid can help the vehicle regain stability.
