18 December 2023
We’ve had a mix of snow, sleet, ice, fog, strong winds and plenty of rain in recent weeks across the region and the rest of the UK. It’s important that we are prepared ahead of making journey, especially this time of year where we may plan longer journeys to catch up with family and friends.
Follow our top safety tips and be prepared:
- Check your heating system to ensure you can demist the windows if necessary
- Clear your windows, lights and number plates. It is also advisable to pack a de-icer and a scraper in your car at all times
- Ice, snow, mist and rain demand that you drive more slowly and carefully. If you know that bad weather is expected, plan ahead and extend your journey time
- If visibility is low, use your rear fog lights and reduce your speed
- According to the Highways Agency, stopping distances can be up to 10 times as far in very wet or icy conditions, so keep your distance from the car in front
- Higher, more exposed areas such as bridges and overpasses will be affected by snow and ice more quickly than other surfaces. Plan your journey to avoid these areas if possible
- Avoid making unnecessary changes of lane on dual carriageways and motorways. Speeding up in icy or very wet conditions could cause you to swerve
- Be particularly careful around motorcyclists and cyclists on windy days. Large vehicles can waver, so take extra care when passing them
- If you’re planning a longer journey, make sure to pack food and drink, blankets and warm clothes in case you have to stop and continue when it’s save to continue