Badly iced-over
Feature
For two years running, heavy snow has brought the nation to a standstill. This year, the government, the Highways Agency and local councils are saying they are ready for the worst. But are you?
In snow and ice, the most important consideration is to question if you or your staff need to be travelling at all? Have you done a proper risk assessment? Are your vehicles and drivers prepared for the conditions?
Employers should make severe weather conditions part of their crisis planning, and have a clearly defined policy on when their staff should travel, based on local road and weather conditions. Far too many people set off for work simply through fear of losing their job. Working from home is now more common, but what is really needed is a clear definition of those who must be out and about in poor weather and what support they can expect.
If you do travel, check the weather forecast for the length and duration of your journey. Looking out of the window and making a call isn’t good enough. Don’t ignore warnings about closed roads or advice not to travel.
If you do drive, the golden rule is to do everything more gently, because sudden movements and actions will unbalance an already precarious vehicle.
Weathering the winter
When temperatures drop, so should your miles per gallon. One key way to save money during winter is to make sure your fleet is primed for optimum fuel economy: winter and eco driving go hand-in-hand. This can mean a bit of extra cash in the bank and save you serious money if you prevent a crash.
Firstly, check your tyre pressure. You’ll get up to ten per cent better fuel economy with tyres that are properly inflated. It will also improve your vehicle’s traction on slippery winter roads. Clean your windows, lights and mirrors. Top up your screen wash. Clear snow from the roof and bonnet.
Drive off from cold. Modern vehicles are designed to move straight away. Warming up the engine just wastes fuel, and actually causes engine wear.
Double or even triple your normal stopping distance. Drive so that you don’t rely on your brakes to be able to stop – on an icy surface they simply may not do that.
Keep moving as much as possible, even if it is only at walking pace. Get your speed low before you start downhill.
It is much easier to keep to a slow speed than to try and slow down once things get slippery. Start gently from stationary, avoiding high revs and use second gear to prevent wheel spin.
Slowing to safety
If you skid, take your foot off the pedals and steer. Only use the brake if you cannot steer out of trouble.
On the motorway, stay in the clearest motorway lane, away from slush and ice. Keep within the clear tyre tracks if you can. In falling snow use dipped headlights or foglights, but don’t dazzle other drivers.
Windscreen wipers can be mesmerising – regular stops will give your eyes a rest, but choose the right place to do it.
Stay well back behind trucks because the snow and ice on top may blow off.
Remember that black ice forms in shaded spots and areas exposed to cold winds, and that bridges are particularly prone to icing over first and thawing last. Junctions can be slippery because the road surface can be worn smooth.
Slow down early, and be ready to stop, but with a view to keeping moving should the road be clear. In prolonged cold weather, fresh snow may have frozen ice underneath it.
If you are following another vehicle at night, using their lights to see ahead can cause you to drive dangerously close – keep well back.
Prepare for the worst
Last year the chattering teeth of stranded motorists echoed around the country. It’s best to be prepared for the worst. Take an emergency kit in case you break down, including a mobile phone, torch, food for energy, water and a blanket. You might need a shovel for snow. On longer journeys, let someone know you have set off and your intended route.
To help motorists this winter, the IAM and Jet Service Stations across the country have launched a safe driving campaign, which advises on handling winter driving conditions. Motorists can pick up a free ice scraper and winter driving advice booklet (subject to availability) from 62 participating Jet Service Stations.
You can also visit the IAM’s winter driving website, drivingadvice.org.uk, which has traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.
• Check your tyre pressure.
• Double or even triple your normal stopping distance.
• Keep moving as much as possible, even just at walking pace.
• Start gently from stationary, avoiding high revs and use second gear to prevent wheel spin.
• If you skid, take your foot off the pedals and steer.
• Stay in the clearest motorway lane, away from slush and ice.
• In falling snow use dipped headlights or foglights
• Remember that black ice forms in shaded spots and areas exposed to cold winds
Written by Simon Elstow, head of driver training, IAM Drive & Survive
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