Driving in snow and ice

[Chris Lodge]

According to the news today, December 2009 fwas the coldest for 13 years and most parts of the country have now been hit with extreme weather conditions.

For those not used to driving in ice and snow, it always worth remembering that your car will have a mind of its own and behave quite differently than you may expect.

Keep a safe distance from other vehicles especially lorries which have tendency to jacknife, brake slowly and try to avoid hills.

If you are a pedestrian, be wary of drivers losing control of their vehicles and if you go to the aid of a drive who has got stuck, make sure you don't injure yourself in the process or indavertantly push the vehicle you are helping into another vehicle or solid object. You might be held liable!

[AdamW]

Also turn into skids, use gears to help you slow down, drive in as low a speed in as high a gear as possible.

[KevJaques]

Good tips guys, however it is my experience and belief that most drivers out there abandon common sense, etiquette and respect for fellow drivers/pedestrians when they get behind the wheel
Even the cyclists have a mind of their own and think they're above the law lol

The rise in mobile phone usage while driving tells you the ban made no difference whatsoever (apart from more fines probably)

[blush]

SOME GOOD TIPS, didn't know about driving slow in a high gear, makes sense really.But I did the safest thign today, I walked to work! My face was numb by the tume I got there and I couldn't talk but at least I didn't have a cardiac whilst losing control of the car again!

[B_Cal]

Reminds me why I have heated seats on the Saab - if your cold your reactions are slower and the Swedes know a thing or two about driving with Snow and ice.

What amazes me is the way some people do not de-ice / remove snow before setting off and can't see a thing out of the windows!

Roy

[AdamW]

Before going to my mum and dad's for Christmas I got rid of all the snow on my car. The roof and everything. Appeared to be the only one on the road who thought of that!

[B_Cal]

and it certainly makes sure your alert when you get behind the wheel Adam

[seanstevens]

Give it another year of snow and ice and the government will bring in a winter tyre rule, forcing people to have them in place by a certain date each year,

[bobpilk]

Originally Posted by seanstevens

Give it another year of snow and ice and the government will bring in a winter tyre rule, forcing people to have them in place by a certain date each year,

Bet they dont reduce the outrageous car tax on the 4x4s that are keeping many of our emergency services going during the snow. Funny I have not heard 1 news report that says "meals on wheels are being delivered by gas guzzling chelsea tractors"

[Chris Lodge]

Having been semi-stranded for several days, my wife remarked yesterday as a 4x4 slushed passed us as we walked into town that we ought to get one.

However probably for 45 weeks of the year it would be unnecessary.

I heard of someone else who hire a 4x4 just before Christmas and that sounds lilke a good idea in retrospect.

[Ray Stewart]

Personally I don't see the need for 4x4. My diesel automatic Zafira has front wheel drive and a magic snow button that means I start in nothing less than 3rd gear. Not a single slip or struggle in all the weather so far.

I think snow chains are a good idea though for every car just in case.

I am worried about the environmental impact of all the 000's of tons of grit and salt they have dumped on the roads lately - with little effect. Where does it all go? What is the point anyway? How much has it all cost?

I suppose I was lucky when I was young in that when I was learning to drive in Essex in 1973 I was taken on a police driving course by my parents. Part of that was driving on a skidpan which was great fun, as was safe overtaking, and the lessons learned have stood me in good stead all my life.

My daughter, on the other hand, has had two driving lessons cancelled due to the weather - what an opportunity missed.

I watched the ice road truckers series last year and they never see grit put on the road. They learn to drive on the surface as it is and put snow chains on when needed.

Why should we be any different?

Also, everyone should have a set of chains for feet as well so that walking is still safe. Commonsense really.

[Chris Lodge]

I agree with much of what you say, Ray, but I believe snow chains can severely damage the road surface (unlike studded tyres - obligatory in some countries).

Around Kent there were so many pot holes before this recent cold snap, I dread to think what the road will be like in a week ot two so further damage might not be too welcome!

[bobpilk]

Studded tyres, snow chains, 4x4s, traction control or even snow buttons, perhaps technology is not the answer. What about teaching the people how to drive on the stuff. Every year when the first of the snow and ice is imminent all drivers who are not used to it should have to undertake further training and get an "addendum" to their licence. That might stop the idiots who drive too close, too fast or too erratic. Probably wont of course but then again best answer is "if your journey is not essential stay off the bloody road"

[Blake]

I just fully agree with you, that's why I was taking my driving licence in winter, to have some experience of driving in such conditions, was really hard, but now feel myself more confident on the road