So, what’s the best thing to do if you must use your vehicle? The BBC has very handily provided some solid advice for motorists on how to prepare for a journey out in to the snow:
- Tyres: ensure they are inflated correctly with a minimum 3mm of tread depth for the slippery conditions.
- Battery: your battery will run down quicker in the colder weather. It is a good idea to, particularly if you do a lot of long distance driving, top it up or trickle-charge it.
- Screenwash: Keep your screenwash reservoir topped up, ensuring to use the right concentration with some anti-freeze to prevent freezing on the windshield.
- Fuel: Keep it topped up! This is particularly important in case you get stuck in traffic delays or have to take alternate routes due to closures. It is also essential to keep snow from clogging up your exhaust and prevent lethal fumes leaking in to your vehicle!
- Windows: clear all snow and ice from windows – don’t just have a little peep hole! Make sure you can see out of every single window and use a good de-icer. Warm water can crack the glass, and cold water will simply freeze on the surface of the glass and the floor you are standing on. The kettle is NOT and option!
- Locks: I have this problem! Use a little WD-40 in the lock to prevent them from freezing up.
- Warm Clothing: Or as I prefer to see it – survival gear! Make sure you have plenty of spare layers in your car (a couple of jumpers and a big coat), and make sure to have a nice pair of gloves and a hat with you just in case you breakdown and get stranded for a while. Some sturdy boots and a blanket are also useful to have with you, as well as some food and water supplies in case you are stranded for some time.
So what about actually driving in the snow? The institute of advanced motorist have provided some simple suggestions to help us to stay out of trouble and avoid accidents –
- Speed: not too fast, and not too slow! If you go too fast, you will obviously run in to trouble stopping again on the slippery surfaces. Driving too slow on the other hand will risk the vehicle losing momentum.
- Driving: steer, brake and accelerate as smoothly as possible. Braking too hard can cause the vehicle to skid, as can manoeuvring around a corner too fast. Using a higher gear allows for more control of your vehicle and is definitely recommended. On a downhill slope, get your speed down before you hit the decline.
- Skidding: If you get yourself in to a skid, take your foot off the pedals and steer. Only use the brake to steer clear of trouble.
- Distance: double of even triple the distance you keep between vehicles in front of you! If you are too close and need to brake, the icy conditions will head any attempts to brake in time.
Source: The BBC
So stay safe on the roads… and have a thought for this question, further to my recent article on Ashley Cole speeding; what is it with rich people and speeding eh? Perhaps it’s something to do with the expensively fast cars they drive… According to a recent BBC report, a new speeding fine record has been achieved by a Swiss millionaire, receiving a fine totalling £180,000 by a court! (source).
Yes, that is not a typing error – £180,000! But why? Well, the penalty has been reportedly calculated on the unnamed rich Swiss man’s wealth, assessed by courts at around £14.1 million. The reason the fine has amounted to so much is because the driver is a repeat offender; on this occasion being caught doing more than 35mph over the limit, clocked at 85mph through a village.
The court in its judgement stated “the accused ignored elementary traffic rules with a powerful vehicle out of a pure desire for speed”. Swiss media has reported the man’s wealth includes a villa with 5 luxury cars, including the Ferrari Testarossa he was caught speeding in.
And remember, if you have been injured due to the negligence of another road user, you are entitled to claim for compensation! Speak to an expert independent personal injury solicitor today and get the right advice on how to get the ball rolling!