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As the nights draw in and the environment around us gets cooler, we are all preparing for cosy nights at home and enjoying the company of our loved ones by the fire.
If you are looking for a few helpful tips and tricks for driving this winter, we’ve got you covered. Today we want to talk about driving during winter and the steps you can take to be safer on the road for yourself and for other drivers. If you’ll be jumping in your car a lot this Christmas, we have some helpful and handy tips for you to follow to ensure your safety.
Don’t drive
It might seem a little counterintuitive to advise you not to drive at all, but honestly, winter is very dangerous on the roads. If you can at all help it, try to stay at home and find other ways to source the things you need. For example; you can get your weekly shopping delivered to your door, you can order presents online, and you can work remotely. To avoid having to source the best car accident lawyer in your area after an accident, it is best to stay home wherever possible to reduce that risk.
Avoid wind and rain
It might seem hard to avoid windy and rainy weather during winter however there are a lot of clear and sunny days you can also enjoy. If you are looking for a safer drive this winter, try not to go out while the weather is wet and turbulent. It can be dangerous driving in these conditions as visibility is low and wind pressure can push at the sides of your car.
Drive slowly
One of the most important things you can do this winter to stay safe on the road is drive slowly. Driving at a slow pace is super important, and will ensure that you don’t skid on the road. Stick to the speed limit and be sure to always come to a full stop at junctions. If you don’t take the time to do this you could risk moving out into the road too quickly and causing an accident.
Take turns carefully
Turning during dry conditions is easy, and in your local area you are probably used to a certain speed and method for turning into and out of junctions without stopping. In winter though, everything changes. There will likely be ice on the floor and any water can cause something known as aquaplaning – where water comes between your tyres and the ground meaning you have no contact with the floor. If you take a turn too quickly during this time you could be in trouble! Be careful and take those turns nice and slowly.
Don’t swerve suddenly
Sharp movements and turns on a slippery surface are never a good idea. If you’ve ever seen a dog trying to run on laminate flooring you’ll know that it doesn’t end well! When driving your car in winter, be sure that you make slow and steady movements and don’t suddenly swerve on the road. Keep those eyes peeled for activity ahead of you and always be ready to brake when you need to.
Top up tyre pressure
Your tyre pressure is more important than you think and often it is something we forget about. If your tyres are not inflated enough they will not be able to grip the road, and as a result you may skid and slip. Every month, or before a long journey, check your tyre pressure on cold tyres and inflate them with your own pressure gauge or head to your local garage. This is a simple and quick job but one which is very important.
Invest in a heated seat pad
There is nothing worse than getting up in the dead of darkness for work, sitting in your car and feeling icy cold air surrounding you. Driving when you are freezing cold is never a nice feeling and it can do you more harm than good. To keep your muscles warm and responsive in the car all winter long be sure to invest in a heated seat pad. This can plug into your cigarette lighter and it will keep you warm and toasty as you drive to work in the morning. You can also buy a steering wheel cover which is heated to keep your hands toasty!
Minimise distractions
Driving in the winter is dangerous and it is important for us to stay safe in every way we can. This involves making sure we are able to focus on the road at all times and stay awake and aware in the car. Turn down the music, put down your coffee and get driving!
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