Many accidents could be avoided if drivers took changes of driving conditions into account.  Remember – Respect the elements!

Winter Driving

Step 1 – Plan your Journey in advance:

• What is the weather like? What is the forecast? What effect will this have on road conditions?
• If the weather will be poor consider - is your journey essential?
• Is your car equipped with a torch  and extra warm clothing
• If snow is forecast have you a spade and boots?
• Have you a windscreen scraper and de-icer?
• BBC Radio Essex, Dream FM and Essex Radio all provide local travel advice.
• Have you a mobile phone with a hands free kit? Is the phone battery fully charged?
• Is your car mechanically reliable? Is the battery in good condition? Have you plenty of fuel?
• Have you put anti freeze in the radiator and a winter mix in the windscreen washer bottle?
• Think about your route. If the roads are icy use main roads which have been gritted rather than smaller roads which will be icy.

Step 2 – Before you start to drive

• Completely clear your windows, headlights and mirrors before you set out.
• Don't leave the engine running with the car unattended – Someone may steal the car!
• Make sure that someone reliable knows when you are leaving, what your route is and what time you should arrive.
• Put your mobile phone into the hands free kit.

 Step 3 – Winter driving

• Fog, Hail, snow and rain reduce visibility so Use dipped headlights and reduce your speed.
• Stopping distances are much greater on wet or icy roads, as the tyres will have less grip, so drive more slowly and allow extra time to stop.
• Spray from vehicles causes visibility problems similar to fog so be careful to keep your distance especially on motorways.
• Sudden direction movements or harsh acceleration or braking increase the likelihood of a skid or loss of control so use gentle car control using the highest possible gear.
• If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator DO NOT BRAKE. Once you feel control back with the steering wheel take gentle steering action to reposition the car.  
• In winter the sun is lower than summertime and can cause dangerous dazzle. It may not be hot but you will still need to use your visor and wear sun glasses.
• Fog brings a number of problems firstly the road surface is damp and this affects stopping distances.
• Even if fog is patchy be prepared and use dipped headlights/ fog lights but remember to switch them off when visibility improves
• Don't drive faster than the visibility allows. Remember your stopping distances!
• Tailgating in fog is popular but is a dangerous practice – because you can see the lights of the vehicle in front it doesn't mean that he is driving at the correct speed and if the vehicle in front hits something then you will not have time to take avoiding action.
• Don't hang on to the tail-lights of the vehicle in front. This gives you a false sense of security and means you may be driving too close.
• Don't speed up suddenly, even if it seems to be clearing. You can suddenly find yourself back in thick fog.
• Floods are suitable for boats- they are not suitable for cars so do not attempt to drive through a flooded road unless you are certain this the water is of safe depth.

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Step 4 – Winter Vehicle Checks

Check before the winter starts and at regular intervals

• The vehicle servicing is up to date. Breakdowns in winter are not any fun!
• All exterior lights for cleanliness,damage and operation
• Wiper blades for wear or splitting.
• Windscreen washers for operation and for anti freeze additives
• Oil and water levels.
• Is Anti-freeze in the radiator up to strength?
• What is the condition of your battery?
• All tyres – Don't forget the spare!. Remember your life may depend on having a good tyre.

In case the temperature drops it's well worth taking some time to prepare your car.

The top three reasons for car breakdowns are battery failure, tyre problems and running out of fuel, all problems that could be avoided with a little bit of forethought.

Dial Direct has prepared some tips for drivers to ensure a stress free journey:

• Book your car in for a winter service to ensure it's in good condition.
• Ensure you have a full tank of petrol before leaving and aim to fill up before the tank gets too low.
• Check that windscreens, headlights and indicator lights are free from damage, such as cracks.
• Check front and rear wiper blades for wear. Use screen wash additive and de-icer to help keep the screen clear.
• Ensure oil and water levels are topped up correctly. Pay particular attention to the type of oil, as cold temperatures have a tendency to thicken it.
• Inspect your battery electrolyte level, topping it up with distilled water if necessary. Low temperatures can cause discharge. Many garages offer checks free of charge.
• Check tyre pressures and tread depth.
• Plan your journey and listen to radio reports for any delays or road closures.
• Take something to eat or drink in case your journey is slowed by bad weather or accidents.
• Take regular breaks during long journeys.
• Make sure you have adequate clothing with you. You may just be popping out, but it is worth keeping a heavy coat, extra socks and scarves in the boot, in case sudden bad road conditions slow or halt your journey.
• Make sure you mobile phone is well charged, or keep a phone charger in the car. Keep relevant breakdown numbers on your 'phone.
• Keep some small snacks in the car (chocolate bars etc).
• Keep a shovel in the boot and torch in the glove compartment.