Driving in bad weather

When severe weather hits it’s best to stay off the roads, but if your journey is essential then being prepared for the conditions can make all the difference.

Prepare before you set off

Driving in fog

Drive slowly and use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you. Only use your fog lights if visibility is less than 100m and switch them off once conditions have improved.

Fog is often patchy so drive with caution even when visibility improves – there may still be fog further on. Make sure there is plenty of space between you and the car in front, and don’t hang on to their tail-lights.

Driving through ice and snow

First of all, make sure you clear snow off the roof of your car before you drive off. Drive with extra care, keep your speed down and keep well back from the vehicle in front – stopping distances are much greater in the snow and ice.

When roads are icy drive slowly in a high gear and take extra care on bends, braking progressively as you approach. Make sure you get into a low gear early when you need to stop and only brake gently.

Look out for vehicles spreading salt, and snow ploughs. It’s generally best to stay well back and only overtake if the road ahead has been cleared and you’re certain it’s absolutely safe.

Black ice/ice patches

Ice can be difficult to see and therefore difficult to anticipate. Black ice forms when running water or standing water freezes on the road and it can stay for some time even after the sun comes out. Be particularly careful on corners, bends and roundabouts so it won't take you by surprise if do come across it.

If your vehicle starts to skid

It’s important not to panic and not to brake. Depress the clutch and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. When the vehicle straightens, steer along the road.

Driving in the rain

Reduce your speed when the road is wet, it can take up to twice as long to stop so it’s also important to keep your distance from the car in front. Be prepared for spray from other vehicles which can obscure your vision.

Floods

When approaching floods slow down and avoid driving through surface water if possible. If you do have to drive through, stop and assess the shallowest part, remember the deepest water is usually nearest the kerb. Use first gear and keep your revs high. Move forward immediately to avoid stalling the engine.

After you have passed through the water test your brakes to make sure it’s safe to drive at your usual speed.

Dealing with aquaplanes

If you travel through deep water your vehicle could aquaplane. It’s important not to panic, but to slow down gradually without braking or steering sharply.

Driving in strong winds

In very windy weather strong gusts can blow a vehicle off course. This can happen on open stretches of road or when passing bridges and high-sided vehicles. Be prepared for this type of deflection.

Dazzling sun

If you are dazzled by bright or low sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop when safe to do so. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy.

Hot weather

In hot weather the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery, both of which can affect steering and braking. Your car should be kept well ventilated so you don’t get drowsy while you are driving.

Driving at night

A driver's reactions depend almost entirely on vision and vision is severely limited at night. Twilight is one of the most difficult times to drive as your eyes are working to adapt to the growing darkness.

Being seen is as important as seeing, it’s important to put your headlights on as soon as the light starts to fade.

Fatigue is often greater at night and this can make driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance.

Windscreen cracks and chips

Windscreen chips often create tiny holes in the glass where water can enter. If the water freezes it will expand and can make the chip worse or crack the windscreen.

Your windscreen provides up to 30% of the vehicle’s structural strength and the passenger airbag relies on the windscreen to provide support if the airbag deploys.

Repairing a chip will result in your windscreen being as strong as before the damage happened.