Im rubbish!

[nicnicnic]

Im not a confident driver.  Im starting to worry now that its getting frosty/snowy in the mornings, but obviously I have to get to work! Does anyone have any tips for driving in this weather?

[sddsddean]

Take your time. Its better to arrive alive 10 minutes late than not arrive at all. Make sure you windscreen is defrosted before you move off. If this is in the morning, get up 10 minutes earlier so you will have time to do it. You can defrost the windscreen by using a de-icer or pouring cold to tepid (NOT HOT) water over it, but if it is really cold, this may refreeze. If the road is damp, beware of icy patches. You may know where puddles form in the road after rain. If so, this is where ice is likely. Black ice is worst; you can't see it. If whilst driving along you feel the car 'twitching', you are probably in an area of black ice. Slow down, but try not to use the brakes excessively. But the main thing is, take your time; and if its really bad, don't drive unless you have to. Snow is actually easier to drive on than ice. If you come across it, try and drive a bit out of the ruts; this is where the grip is. Also the ruts will have been 'polished' and turned to ice. Another good tip in snow and ice is to drive in a gear one higher than you normally would (ie 2nd instead of 1st). this will reduce the chance of wheelspin. Good luck.

[ianess]

Brilliant answer.......but remember Clive Dunn [Cpl Jones] from Dad`s Army.......DON`T PANIC!

Remember too that the news media are in the business of turning the most insignificant event into a major crisis.     Take it easy and be careful.....remember that no matter the weather conditions every other idiot on the roads is capable of killing you at any time.

DON`T PANIC!

[ursula62]

If you are going to drive anywhere in the poor winter weather it pays to be prepared... think about those people who got stuck on the motorways last year through no fault of their own.

 

Always make sure you have at least one blanket in the car / boot, take a flask of hot drink and some edibles and bottled water with you just in case you get held up. Also make sure your mobile is fully charged or that you can charge it from the car battery.

[landie]

Think about getting some training from an instructor on a skid-pan. It's similar to driving on ice. If the weather was really bad I'd get a lift from someone else with more experience. We don't want you to be a statistic.