To view The Road Safety Authority (RSA) "Top 10 Safety Tips’ for motorists driving in snow and ice" please go to: RSA Website
TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SNOW AND ICE
When temperatures dip below freezing driving conditions can become treacherous, the risk of ice or snow on the roads increases.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has, the following ‘Top 10 Safety Tips’ for motorists driving in snow and ice. They are;
1. Get a grip. Remember your only contact with the road surface is your tyres so it’s
vital that they are up to the task in icy and snowy conditions. Check tyres, including
spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check that tyres
are inflated to the correct tyre pressure. Lack of grip can occur even on treated roads
so drive slowly in the highest gear possible, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh
braking. Replace tyres if necessary.
2. Make sure you can see. Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a
screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack
the glass. Replace windshield wiper blades if necessary. De-mist the inside of your
windows thoroughly. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of
an anti-icing fluid. Remember too that heavy snowfall will reduce visibility! Watch out
for grit/salt spreaders and snow ploughs. The glare from the sun can be dazzling in
the winter when the sun is low in the sky, so wear sunglasses in these conditions.
3. Check & use your lights. Use your dipped headlights so that others will see you.
Make sure your headlights and taillights are all in working order, replace broken
bulbs. Make sure lights are clear of snow.
4. Gently does it. Manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you
and the vehicle in front. Too much steering is bad and avoid harsh braking and
acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear
when travelling downhill especially if through bends. Falling snow, fog, rain, or hail
will reduces visibility. Do not hang on to the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you as
it can give a false sense of security. When you slow down, use your brakes so that
the brake lights warn drivers behind you.
5. Watch out for "black ice." If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, "black
ice” one of winter's worst hazards: Black Ice is difficult to see! It is nearly transparent
ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. Watch out for
black ice, especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent
to high walls.
6. Give yourself a brake. If you get into a skid, you need to know if your vehicle has
ABS (Anti- Lock Braking Systems). After you "Step" on the brake the ABS begins
cycling — you will feel pulses in the pedal or hear the system working. It's easy to
properly use antilock brakes: Remember - Step, Stay and Steer. Step on the pedal.
Stay on the pedal. Steer around the obstacle. (A warning: A little bit of steering goes
a very long way in an emergency).
For vehicles without ABS, you'll have to rely on the old-fashioned ‘Cadence Braking’
system: Push the brake pedal until the wheels stop rolling, then immediately release
the brake enough to allow the wheels to begin turning again.
Repeat this sequence rapidly. Your goal is to have the tyres producing maximum grip
regardless of whether the surface is snow or ice.
7. How does your vehicle help? Check in your owner’s manual and find out if your
vehicle has any safety assist technology like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti
Lock Braking System (ABS) and know how they assist your driving in severe weather
conditions. But remember technology offers no miracles. Don't let these lull you into
overestimating the available traction.
8. Be Prepared! In prolonged icy or snowy driving conditions it is advisable to carry the
following in the boot of the car
a. High Visibility Vest
b. Tow rope
c. Spare bulbs
d. Spare fuel
e. A shovel
f. Appropriate footwear in case you have to leave your vehicle ie boots
g. A hazard warning triangle
h. Spare wheel (with tyre at correct pressure and tread)
i. Check that your spare wheel is in good condition and is fully inflated. Some
cars may have an inflation repair kit instead of a spare wheel. Make sure that
you know how to use it.
j. De-icing equipment (Both for glass and door locks)
k. First aid kit (in good order)
l. A fire extinguisher (fully operative)
m. A working torch
n. A car blanket, additional clothing & some food and water
In preparation for driving you should also ensure:
o. The vehicle is properly maintained, serviced and engine oil viscosity is
suitable for cold conditions.
p. Have the strength of coolant/antifreeze measured.
q. Ensure vehicle has adequate supply of fuel for journey.
r. Consider carrying some salt or sand. And
s. Give someone an estimated time of arrival at your proposed destination.
Carry a mobile phone and spare, fully charged, battery (if you don’t have a
car charger)
9. Get informed. Listen to local weather and traffic reports. The RSA has prepared a
helpful guide ‘Severe Weather Advice for Road Users’ which you can download from
the RSA’s website. It has lots more useful advice on dealing with the difficult road
conditions.
10. Stay at home. The best thing to do in extremely bad weather is to stay off the road.
Take heed of warnings not to go out. This leaves the emergency services free to deal
with real emergencies instead of rounding up stranded motorists.