How To Drive in Snow

Whether you are a learner driver that has just passed your driving test, or an experienced driver, travelling through snow affects the way you need to drive your car and also how your vehicle behaves.

Even if your car has the best braking system available, it is usually the lack of grip between the road surface and the tyres that cause accidents in snow. This is because your ABS (anti lock breaking system) will not work in these conditions, causing you to skid. The tendency for most drivers when tis happens is to continue to apply the brakes making the situation worse. You cannot steer the car whilst braking in a skid. You must realease the brakes, reapply, release and allow the momentum of the car to help you steer back on course. You can also use the gears to help slow down the vehicle, change to a lower gear carefully and allow the engine help the car lessen its speed.

The cornering ability of the car is affected greatly, it is essential to stay focused and refrain from any heavy braking, sudden acceleration, and travelling at high speeds. Be alert to what is around you and allow plenty of time to react to any situation, such as moving traffic, pedestrians, people on sledges etc. Before reaching the corner, ensure that you have slowed down long before taking the corner, and also make certain that you do so in a straight line so that you avoid loss of control.

When pulling away from stationary use a higher gear such as in second instead of first. This will limit wheel spin and give you better traction. Once moving drive in as high a gear as possible to also limit wheel spin.

Most drivers, however experienced they are at driving in typical conditions, will have driven very few miles in snow therefore even if you are capable and confident when driving in snow you need to be constantly reviewing what other drivers around you are doing.

Lastly, before you go anywhere, think;

- Do you have to take the journey, and if you do can it wait until the roads are clear?
- Do you have a mobile phone with you in case of an emergency?
- Have you informed someone of where you are going?
- Have you checked that your destination is accessible by road?
- Do you have a blanket or appropriate clothing in case you become stranded in traffic?

If this weather becomes the norm during our winters I might consider taking specialized driver training for arctic conditions!