As the UK braces for further disruption from Storm Goretti, with weather warnings active and major cities forecast for significant snow, drivers are being urged to exercise extreme caution. The plummeting temperatures present a clear hazard, particularly for those who must travel by road.
Expert Advice from a 5-Star Driving School
Amid the warnings, a leading driving school has stepped forward to highlight two common but dangerous mistakes motorists often make on slippery surfaces. The Art School of Motoring, a DVSA-approved driving school with a five-star rating, regularly shares crucial guidance with its social media followers.
In a recent demonstration posted on TikTok, an instructor from the school used a practical example to warn against over-acceleration and harsh braking. The clip, aimed at the school's 1,800 followers, clearly showed the perils of applying too much power on an icy road.
The Two Critical Errors to Avoid
"Do you hear that noise? That's what happens when you over-accelerate on an icy road, especially with an automatic car where you can't drop gears," the instructor explained in the video. The demonstration underscored how a heavy right foot can instantly lead to a loss of traction.
The expert's advice for navigating treacherous conditions is clear: maintain a very light foot on the accelerator, particularly when going downhill. "Just ease off the accelerator, stay close to the brakes and very gently apply them," they advised. The key takeaway is to avoid sharp braking, which can cause a skid by breaking the vehicle's grip on the road surface.
Essential Safe Driving Techniques for Ice
Beyond avoiding these two primary mistakes, drivers should adopt a series of careful techniques to enhance safety. The core principle is smoothness in all actions, from steering to changing gear.
Look well ahead for potential hazards like icy patches and reduce your speed accordingly. When pulling away, using a higher gear can improve grip. For manual drivers, this may involve slipping the clutch slightly to prevent stalling, while automatic drivers can often select second gear from a standstill to achieve a gentler start.
The Stark Reality of Braking Distances
The RAC issues a sobering reminder about the dramatic increase in stopping distances on ice. Braking distances can be up to ten times longer than on a dry road. This stark fact means it is imperative to leave a gap of up to ten times the normal recommended distance between you and the vehicle in front.
It is also vital to remember that tyre grip is reduced in all cold conditions, not just when ice is visible. The RAC further notes that winter tyres can offer a significant performance boost and much-improved grip in icy and snowy weather, a consideration for those who drive frequently during the winter months.
With Storm Goretti bringing continued chaos this week, and households advised to use salt or sand on driveways, applying this expert driving advice could be the key to a safer journey.
