Safer Driving Weather

Coping with adverse weather

Sometimes you cannot tell if a road is wet or icy. In bad weather, imagine the worst.

Variable weather is a fact of life in the UK. Rain, fog, ice, snow, high winds and bright sunshine make driving harder. Failure to recognise this and take extra care causes deaths. Always... Listen to forecasts

Accept that sometimes it is not safe to go by road and make other arrangements.

Clear windows of condensation and ice

Never set off with just a peephole to peer through.

Use your lights

In bad weather use dipped beam. In fog, you must turn on your rear fog lights. Turn them off when you can see again.

You can see less

Go slow and keep back. Hanging on the taillights of the vehicle in front is not an option. In bright sunshine, use your visor.

Your brakes and tyres

Brakes and tyres are less effective on wet or icy roads - even in the best vehicles. Go slower and avoid sharp braking and steering. In the wet, leave at least double the normal safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. In the snow and ice, leave even more space.

Essential equipment

Check you are carrying washer fluid, glass cleaner, de-icer, cloths, ice scraper. In winter, check there is antifreeze in your radiator.