Driving through the snow

Driving Through The Snow

With the chaos that the snow has caused in recent months many people have found it extremely difficult to make their usual journey into work. Some people have been able to take the day off or work from home and whilst everyone is being urged to avoid driving where possible this is not always feasible.

Some people have had to make the journey in to work no matter how much snow that may have fallen. Some areas have been affected worse than others, such as side streets that local councils have not been able to grit. If you are one of the many people that has to go to work then it is vital that you take extra care on the roads as we have already seen many accidents due to the snow and ice.

When snow becomes compact and frozen the potential dangers increase considerably. Not every road can be gritted and even the ones that have are still extremely slippy with many cars unable to drive on them. When snow strikes it is important to keep a full tank of petrol in your car as your journey to and from work may be prolonged, depending on whether some routes are closed or diverted, meaning you may have to detour. The last thing you want is to be running on fumes when the weather is below zero outside.

Try and plan your route to work carefully, look for traffic updates online or on the news to see what the conditions are like, and when in the car stay tuned to the nearest radio station providing localised updates on the road conditions. Always keep a breakdown kit in the car, this is advisable at all times but none more so than in these treacherous conditions. A warning triangle, blanket and torch are absolute necessities as well as food and drink just in case you are stranded for a long period of time.

Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front as it is hard to predict what the car ahead may do and stopping distances are increased in snow and ice. If you skid then simply ease off the accelerator and do not brake. If this does happen, steer into the direction of the skid to try and regain control – your aim is to regain traction through your wheels so they need to be turning, not locked by your brakes.

If you, like many other people over the past week or so, get stuck in the snow then do not continue to spin your wheels as you will just get yourself into a deeper rut. An old carpet under the wheel is ideal but if you have any salt or grit this is also good as you will be able to improve traction and the salt will melt the snow and ice. If you have to drive anywhere then take extra care on the roads and make sure you have the necessary equipment should you get stranded.

If you are looking for a car this winter you may be tempted to find one that can cope well in the snow. If you need car finance then search online where there are competitive deals on a range of used car loans and more.

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