With winter now here, our Driver Training department has put together a few handy tips to ensure you get to and from work safely:
Before you set off:
Check the weather in advance – don’t ignore police warnings about closed roads or advice to not travel on specific routes.
Once you’re on the move:
When driving in snow, get your speed right - not too fast so that you risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum when you need it – and brake, steer and accelerate as smoothly as possible.
Start gently from stationary, avoiding high revs. If you get yourself into a skid the main thing to remember is to take your foot off the pedals and steer.
Only use the brake if you cannot steer out of trouble.
It’s better to think ahead as you drive to keep moving, even if it is at walking pace.
Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front. Drive so that you don’t rely on your brakes to be able to stop – on an icy surface they simply may not do that for you!
Plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted. Avoid using short cuts on minor roads.
On motorways, stay in the clearest lane where possible, away from slush and ice. Keep within the clear tyre tracks if you can.
Stay in a higher gear for better control, and if it is slippery, in a manual car move off in a higher gear, rather than just using first.
On a downhill slope get your speed low before you start the descent, and do not let it build up.
Things to look out for:
Black ice forms in shaded spots and areas exposed to cold winds. Bridges are particularly prone to ice over first and thaw last
Approaches to junctions are usually more slippery, where the surface has been worn smooth by drivers constantly braking and trying to accelerate away.
Preparation:
Allow extra time to prepare your car for the journey.
Always clear your windows, lights and mirrors. Don’t forget that snow on the bonnet can blow onto your windscreen, so clear that off, and clear the roof to avoid snow being blown back onto traffic following.
Make sure you have an emergency kit so you are prepared in the event of a breakdown. This should include a torch, food for energy, water and a blanket. For snow you also need a shovel with you. On longer journeys always let someone know you have set off and tell them your planned route.
Ensure your mobile is charged so you can make a call in an emergency – but don’t use it when driving!
Do a proper winter check of your vehicle, looking at washer fluid, de-icer/scraper and tyres
Emergencies:
Keep track of where you are. If you need to call for assistance, you need to be able to tell the breakdown or emergency services your location, so they can find you.
If you must leave your vehicle to telephone for assistance, find a safe place to stand away from the traffic flow.
On Motorways and dual carriageways it is usually better to leave your vehicle and stand a short distance behind and to the safe side of it. Don’t stand in front of it if at all possible.
Emergency pack for your home
Packing a small emergency kit and keeping it in a safe place at home will stand you in good stead in a wide range of emergency situations. Your kit should be kept in a waterproof bag and it should include:
A battery radio with spare batteries or a wind up radio (so you can be communicated with if the electricity supply is affected)
A battery torch with spare batteries or a wind-up torch
A first aid kit
A note of local radio station frequencies and important phone numbers
Copies of important documents like birth certificates, insurance policies
Bottled water and ready-to-eat food that won't go off, with a can opener if required (remember to use or discard food and water before its 'best before' date, and replace it with new supplies)
Spare keys to your home and vehicle
Spare glasses or contact lenses
Toiletries and details of important medicines
Pencil and paper, penknife, whistle
Pet supplies
If you have to leave your home, and there's time to gather them safely, you should also think about taking:
Essential medicines
Mobile phone and charger
Cash and credit cards
Spare clothes and blankets
Games, books, a child's special toy
Pets
For more advice and information, log on to the Scottish Government's Ready Scotland website at http://www.readyscotland.org/
