Winter tips for drivers

Dec 31 2009 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

THE Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is encouraging people to brush up on winter driving tips before setting out for their New Year journeys.

The safety charity has a winter driving factsheet available online, covering a range of weather issues drivers need to think about, including snow, ice, fog and winter sun.

Drivers embarking on long trips might also find RoSPA’s Safer Journey Planner helpful.

Elizabeth Lumsden, community safety manager for the RoSPA in Scotland, said: “Safer winter driving is about good preparation - making sure that you are in a good state to drive, that your vehicle is in a good condition and that you’ve planned your journey.

“Many people will be travelling long distances this Christmas, so we encourage them to plan their journeys in advance.

“Consider when to drive, which might mean avoiding driving in the early hours of the morning, when you have had less sleep than normal, or in mid-afternoon after eating a large meal – all peak times for sleep-related accidents. Also, remember to plan rest stops.”

Elizabeth said it’s also important to make sure your car is ready for the winter, RoSPA’s advice includes:

Check your lights are clean and working;

Keep the windscreen and windows clean and the washer bottle filled with screenwash to the correct concentration ;

Items to carry in the car include de-icing equipment, a first aid kit (in good order) and a working torch, you might want to carry a blanket, a pair of boots, a shovel, a high-visibility jacket and a mobile phone (although don’t use it when you’re driving).

She added: “If weather conditions are very bad, avoid making your journey unless it is absolutely necessary.

“If you do head out in snow or icy conditions, remember that good observation is essential.

“You should always aim to brake, steer and change gear as smoothly as possible so as not to affect the grip of your tyres on the road surface.

“And, of course, watch your speed and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.”

For more information on safe winter driving visit www.rospa.com/drivertraining/winter/ or www.rospa.com/roadsafety/info/safer_journey.pdf.