Essential Winter Driving Tips: Staying Safe on Snowy Roads

The occurrence of snow can make driving more treacherous. Roads become more slippery, and visibility is reduced, which can be both frightening and dangerous. Here, we share some top tips to help you drive safely should it snow when you need to travel.

Before you set off, ensure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated. All-season or, even better, winter/snow tires provide the best grip in snow. You should also ensure you have plenty of fuel in the tank and check that all your lights are working.

When driving, you should do so slowly while maintaining a good following and stopping distance. If you need to accelerate or brake, this should be done smoothly to avoid skidding. Should you skid, do not panic or brake suddenly. Turn your steering wheel in the direction the car is going.

It is also recommended to try not to stop when you are moving. If you are coming towards traffic lights, try to slow down enough so you can roll until the lights change. It is easier to accelerate slowly if the car is already moving rather than at a complete stop.

If you are heading up some hills on your trip, do not stop or press down on your accelerator. Gain some speed before the hill and let the car carry you while slowly accelerating. This will prevent your wheels from spinning.

Finally, the best thing to stay safe while it's snowing is to not take the car out unless it's absolutely necessary. You can always check when snow is on the way on our WeatherRadar.