Winter Driving Tips

Winter is a busy time in DFC's Operations Department, especially with breakdowns and minor accidents. According to John Moore, DFC's Operations Director, "Staying safe on the roads in winter is a matter of good preparation, good vehicle maintenance and the right knowledge."

Key Points to remember are;

- Keep tyres inflated properly. Make sure you always have the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm.

- Check your lights are working properly [including fog lights].

- Always keep the windscreen and windows clean and the washer bottle filled.

- Carry winter essentials in the car i.e, spare washer fluid, ice scrapper, de-icer, torch and a blanket.

- Always listen to the weather forecast and only travel if necessary when warnings are given out for bad conditions.

- On long journeys stop every two hours for fresh air and a hot drink.

- Keep your vehicle well ventilated.

- Always take time to clear your windows of ice and condensation, do not just clear a small section of the windscreen.

- Reduce your speed on slippery surfaces and increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front.

- Allow up to 10 times the normal braking distance.

- If you get stuck in snow move slowly backwards and forwards using the highest gear you can.

- To break on snow or ice without locking your wheels, get into a low gear early, allow your speed to fall and always brake gently. If you start to skid ease off the accelerator and avoid braking suddenly.

- Always use fog lights is visibility is reduced.

- Don't speed up suddenly even if it seems to be clearing, you may suddenly find yourself back in thick fog.

- In wet weather, stopping distances will be at lease double those of dry roads.

- If steering becomes unresponsive ease of the accelerator and slow down gently.

- On flooded roads don't attempt to cross if the water seems too deep. Find an alternative route for you journey.