As winter tightens its grip on the UK, motoring experts at the AA have issued a comprehensive guide to help drivers navigate the hazardous conditions. Among their key recommendations is a surprisingly simple yet potentially vital item to keep in your boot: an old rug or hessian sack.
Essential Pre-Journey Checks for Winter Safety
The AA stresses that preparation is paramount before setting off on any cold-weather journey. Their advice, published on their website, urges motorists to take several precautionary steps to mitigate the risks posed by snow, ice, and sleet.
Before you even turn the key, you should allow extra time for your trip and plan your route to favour major roads, which are more likely to be gritted and cleared. The organisation also recommends getting up at least ten minutes early to properly de-ice your vehicle, using a scraper and de-icer to ensure all windows are fully clear and demisted.
Other critical pre-drive checks include ensuring you have at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in case of unexpected delays and wearing comfortable, dry shoes to prevent your feet from slipping on the pedals. Drivers of automatic cars are advised to consult their handbook, as some models have a specific winter mode or recommend selecting '2' in slippery conditions.
How to Drive Safely on Icy and Snowy Roads
Once on the move, the AA's golden rule is to take it slow and be gentle. Stopping distances can be up to ten times longer on ice, making cautious manoeuvres essential. To pull away without wheel-spin, they advise starting in second gear and easing off the clutch gently.
When tackling hills, the approach differs. Driving uphill, leave plenty of room from the car in front or wait until the path is clear to avoid stopping midway. Maintain a constant speed and try not to change gear on the incline. For downhill sections, reduce your speed before the hill begins, use a low gear, and avoid braking where possible, always leaving ample space after the vehicle ahead.
The experts also warn against driving if you are feeling unwell with a winter cold and are taking medicine that could cause drowsiness, as it may severely affect your reaction times.
The Secret Weapon: Your Old Rug's Crucial Role
Beyond careful driving, the AA highlights one ingenious trick that could be the key to regaining mobility if you become stuck. Should your wheels spin helplessly on snow or ice, the solution may lie in that discarded rug or sack you've stored in the boot.
The procedure is straightforward: first, straighten your steering and clear any compacted snow from around the wheels. Then, place the rug or sack directly in front of the driving wheels. This provides the tyres with the immediate grip needed to pull the car forward and out of trouble.
This practical tip underscores a broader message from the AA: adapting to winter's challenges requires both smart preparation and knowing a few clever techniques. By combining pre-journey planning, cautious driving, and having a simple tool like an old rug to hand, motorists can significantly improve their safety and confidence during the coldest months of the year.
