Motoring experts have issued an urgent warning to UK drivers as Storm Goretti sweeps across the country, bringing treacherous icy conditions and significant snowfall. The critical advice is to avoid using your car's cruise control function at all costs when roads are slick with ice or snow.
Why Cruise Control Becomes a Hazard in Winter
The Met Office has activated yellow and amber weather alerts for snow across parts of Wales and other regions, with a rare red wind warning also in place. In these conditions, the convenience of cruise control—a system that maintains a set speed without driver input on the accelerator—transforms into a serious liability.
Adams Driver Trainer, a driving school resource, has been explicit in its guidance. The site cautions that while useful in normal scenarios, cruise control dangerously reduces a driver's ability to react swiftly to sudden changes in grip or road surface. On ice, the need for constant, subtle speed adjustments is paramount, and handing that control over to the vehicle's computer can lead to disaster.
The Risk of a Dangerous 'Surge' and Skid
This warning is echoed by international experts. Ron Wilson of the Alberta Motor Association explained the specific mechanics of the danger to The Globe and Mail. He stated that cruise control should only be used when you can maintain a perfectly steady speed, which is impossible on wet, icy, or busy roads.
"The car can actually surge forward and put the vehicle into a skid," Wilson warned. He described a scenario where if the tyres lose traction on ice while cruise control is engaged, the system may attempt to maintain speed by increasing power, causing a sudden surge that induces a skid. By the time a driver disengages the system, it may be too late to regain control.
Official Warnings and Expert-Backed Safety Steps
The Met Office's statement confirms the severity of the situation, forecasting that rain from Storm Goretti will turn to snow widely overnight into Friday, January 10th, 2026. Accumulations of 5-10cm are expected widely, with 15-25cm possible on higher ground above 200 metres.
In addition to avoiding cruise control, experts like those at Rooster Car Insurance advise on how to handle a skid. Their key recommendation, shared via social media, is to ease off the accelerator gently and avoid slamming on the brakes, as harsh braking can lock the wheels and turn the car into an uncontrollable sled.
The consensus from all authorities is clear: during the severe weather brought by Storm Goretti, drivers must prioritise manual control, reduce speed significantly, and increase following distances. Disabling cruise control is a simple but critical step to staying safe on the UK's icy roads this winter.
