As Storm Goretti batters the UK with snow and high winds, driving experts have issued a critical warning to motorists: do not use your car's cruise control function on icy roads. The Met Office has issued severe weather alerts, including a rare red wind warning, making safe driving practices essential.
Why Cruise Control Becomes a Hazard in Winter
Adams Driver Trainer, a driving school resource, has explicitly cautioned drivers about the risks. While cruise control is a convenient tool for maintaining a steady speed in normal conditions, it becomes a significant liability when roads are slick. The system reduces a driver's ability to react swiftly to sudden changes in grip or road surface.
Ron Wilson of the Alberta Motor Association explained the mechanics of the danger to The Globe and Mail. "You never want to use it on wet or icy roads," he stated. "The car can actually surge forward and put the vehicle into a skid. So by the time you catch that, it could be too late." This loss of control happens because the system attempts to maintain a set speed even when the tyres lose traction, potentially causing a dangerous skid.
Official Warnings and Expert Advice for Skidding
The Met Office has activated yellow and amber snow warnings for parts of Wales, forecasting accumulations of 5-10cm widely, with 15-25cm possible on higher ground. In this context, the advice from motoring professionals is clear.
Experts at Rooster Car Insurance have reinforced the message, offering crucial guidance on what to do if your car begins to slide. Their advice, shared via social media and reported by the Express, is to "ease off the gas and do not brake hard" at the first sign of a skid. Slamming on the brakes can lock the wheels, turning the vehicle into an uncontrollable sled.
Staying Safe During the Winter Storm
The consensus among safety advocates is that drivers should maintain full, manual control of their vehicle's acceleration and speed in treacherous weather. This allows for the split-second adjustments needed to cope with black ice, compacted snow, or sudden obstacles.
With Storm Goretti bringing a mix of rain, transitioning to widespread snow overnight on Thursday 8th January and into Friday 9th January 2026, these warnings are timely. Motorists are urged to plan journeys carefully, allow extra time, and most importantly, keep that cruise control button switched off until road conditions return to normal.
