Every season brings its own challenges for drivers. Being aware of changing road and weather conditions and preparing yourself and your vehicle will make you safer.
Different weather conditions can affect the road surface, the way tyres grip the road, the vehicle’s handling and how much you can see. This not only makes driving riskier but extreme weather conditions also make it more dangerous for you and your passengers in the event of breakdown or traffic jams. Being prepared helps you to stay safe throughout your journey.
Things to check
Do you have sufficient water, snacks, appropriate clothing, heat pads, gloves, and a charged mobile phone with you?
Have you timed your journey to make the most of daylight, to avoid areas with higher risk (such as bridges in high winds)?
Have you allowed enough time to drive more slowly, and to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicles in front?
In the UK weather can change very rapidly whatever the season, so be prepared.
Winter vehicle checks
Before every journey ensure that:
- Tyres have good tread and are properly inflated.
- Check oil and coolant levels are optimal, and that coolant contains sufficient antifreeze.
- All snow and ice has been cleared completely from the whole vehicle – chunks of snow or ice flying off vehicles are a hazard for others.
- Check ignition, brakes, exhaust, wipers, washer fluids and lights are all working properly.
- You have enough fuel for the journey.
Remember, it is not legal to leave a vehicle engine running without the driver, even on a private drive. On the public road idling is also illegal. It is better for the environment, air quality, and legal compliance to defrost your windscreens etc manually, with a scraper and some de-icer.
Specific hazards
Wet weather:
Stopping distances in wet weather can be ten times greater than on a dry road. Leave yourself plenty of room to slow down.
According to government figures (RAS0701), ‘slippery roads due to weather’ contributed to 66 deaths and around 1,300 serious injuries in 2023. Yet, according to research by Brake and Green Flag, one-third of drivers don’t slow down in wet weather – and 7% drive faster!
Ice:
Not all ice is visible. Even a covering of frost can affect the way the tyre grips the road. Drive smoothly, slower than usual and decelerate gently. If you do skid, steer into the skid to bring the vehicle back under control.
Visibility:
Visibility can be poor due to rain, fog, low direct sunlight, sleet, or snow. Make sure lights and wipers are in working condition, and there is plenty of washer fluid, especially to clear spray from other vehicles.
Bright headlights can be blinding for oncoming traffic – make sure to dip headlights unless the road ahead is empty.
Strong winds:
The UK is regularly visited by storm-force winds, and not only in winter. Vehicles can be blown off the road, or off bridges and other structures. HGVs are particularly vulnerable to being blown over, particularly if they are lightly loaded, or have drawn curtains on the trailer, which can inflate like sails. Leave plenty of space around large vehicles.
Driving can become dangerous in wind speeds of more than 30mph. The Met Office issues yellow weather warnings for 40mph winds and over.Recent storms have seen wind speeds of up to 100mph in the UK.
Don’t drive in dangerous weather conditions unless your journey is absolutely essential.
Every year UK motorways and major A roads are littered with dozens of vehicles which have blown over in strong winds, causing injury and disruption, and putting emergency first-responders at risk.
In April 2023 an HGV was blown over on the M62 in a 40mph wind and blown across three lanes of motorway, closing the road for 90 minutes.
Fog:
Fog is extremely dangerous – go slowly, hang back and use fog lights or dipped beams.
Be season aware
- Summer brings higher numbers of cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, as well as farm vehicles. Sunny weather can make us (or those around us) more distracted and relaxed. You are more likely to become dehydrated which can affect your focus and judgement.
- Autumn brings early frosts, rain and wind, as well as mud and slippery leaves. These can all make the road slippery and can also hide hazards.
- Winter has the shortest days, and the most extreme cold weather. Ice, hail, rain, mist, frozen ground and snow all slow traffic, and make driving more hazardous. Allow more time for your journey. If the weather is extreme, don’t drive unless absolutely necessary.
Find Driving for Better Business’ Toolbox Training on driving in poor weather in the Van Driver Toolkit