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Twenty tips for business drivers to stay safe motoring in snow

snow A3 glynn
Whiteout - keep a safe distance

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14 January 2016

If driving is your business – 5 key points

  • If you are a manager you have a duty of care and must ensure there is a policy in place and issued to drivers covering driving in extreme weather
  • Is driving essential? Can business be done by tele-conferencingand/or working from home?
  • Have drivers had recent training such as in skid control?
  • Have winter tyres been fitted?
  • Have drivers checked their tyres’ tread, fuel and de-icing screenwash?

SO far this winter we’ve got off pretty lightly as far as snow is concerned south of Hadrian’s Wall but the morning will come when you wake up with that extra brightness through your curtains.

The first thought is – I’m late for work! But peering through the curtains, you realise it’s been snowing.

If it’s really bad, you should avoid travelling unless it’s completely necessary. Keep listening to the traffic reports, and don’t ignore warnings to avoid particular routes.

There are key things to remember, especially if you drive in snowy conditions infrequently.

For example ABS or anti-lock brakes are not anti-skid – they will stop the wheels locking up and keep re-activating, but if you are are ice the vehicle will skate on relentlessly into the scenery.

Much the same applies to traction control; it will try to stop the driven wheels spinning by reducing the revs and/or applying the brakes, but if there’s no grip you’ll go nowhere, except if there’s a camber in which case you may well slither sideways into the gutter.

Five tips for your own self-preservation

  • Dress for the Arctic not a heated office and take gloves and protective headwear
  • Footwear should have good grip for when you get out of the vehicle, but not impede your driving control
  • Take blankets and foil emergency wraps in case you are stranded for hours
  • Take a fully charged mobile phone with charger and back-up power supply
  • Tell contacts where you are going, when you expect to arrive and keep them informed

Four-wheel drive vehicles are not invincible and may be more at risk through driver over-confidence/expectation.

And further dangers arise when snow thaws in sun – then meltwater refreezes across the road.

However some of the latest vehicles have some extremely sophisticated and capable systems.

If you are lucky enough to have one of these you must be aware that others don’t and you are at risk from other skidding vehicles so keep your distance.

In built-up areas beware the danger of pedestrians slipping into your path.

If you do decide it’s essential to drive, here’s our list of things to keep in mind when you’re driving in snow.

  • Start with your windows. They need to be clear of snow so that you have good all-round visibility. Clear snow off the roof and bonnet too because it can blow off and blind you and following drivers.
  • Speed is important – not so fast that you risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum.
  • From a standing start, go gently and avoid high revs. Use a higher gear if you’re in a manual. On the flat, or going uphill, stay in a higher gear to avoid losing grip.
  • If you get yourself into a skid, take your foot off the pedals and steer. Only use the brake as the last resort if you cannot steer out of trouble.
  • Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front so you don’t have to rely on your brakes because you might just go into a slide.  Think ahead and watch ahead so that you can slow down using your gears. And keepan eye on your mirrors.
  • Plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted. Avoid using short cuts on minor roads – especially country lanes and housing estates.
  • Bends are a particular problem in icy conditions. Again, slow down before you reach the bend so that you can negotiate them safely, and again use your gears rather than brakes.
  • On a downhill slope use your gears to cut your speed before you start the descent. And stay in low gear on the descent. Much better than trying to regain control if you start moving too fast.
  • And in case the worst happens, keep track of where you are. If you do have to call for assistance, you need to be able to tell the breakdown or emergency services your location.
  • If you must leave your vehicle to telephone for assistance, find a safe place to stand away from the traffic flow. If you have just lost control, the next driver could well do the same in the same place.

If you live in a part of the country where you often get now, why not consider winter tyres or chains? Click the links to read more.

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Matt Morton

Matt Morton

Matt Morton is an automotive content writer for Business Car Manager

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