With the UK braced for further disruption from Storm Goretti, a leading driving school has issued crucial advice to help motorists navigate the treacherous icy conditions forecast for this week.
Major cities across the country are expected to see significant snowfall, prompting urgent warnings for drivers to exercise extreme caution. The Art School of Motoring, a DVSA-approved driving school with a five-star rating, has taken to social media to highlight two potentially dangerous mistakes drivers often make.
The Two Critical Errors on Ice
In a demonstration video shared with its 1,800 followers on TikTok, an instructor from the school showcased the perils of incorrect technique on a slippery surface. The first major error identified was over-accelerating, particularly in automatic vehicles.
The expert explained that stamping on the accelerator causes the wheels to spin uselessly, offering no grip. "It's best to keep a very light foot on the accelerator," the instructor advised, especially when navigating downhill sections.
Mastering Control and Braking Distance
The second common mistake is applying the brakes too sharply. A sudden, hard brake can cause the wheels to lock, leading to an immediate and dangerous loss of traction. Instead, drivers are urged to "stay close to the brakes and very gently apply them."
This advice is underscored by RAC data, which states that braking distances can be up to ten times longer on ice compared to a dry road. This means leaving a gap of up to ten times the normal recommended distance from the vehicle in front is essential for safety.
Essential Techniques for Safe Winter Travel
Beyond avoiding these two key errors, the school and other experts recommend a suite of measures for icy driving:
- Ensure all actions – accelerating, braking, steering, and changing gear – are performed as smoothly as possible.
- Look well ahead for potential hazards like icy patches and keep your speed down.
- For manual cars, using a higher gear can improve grip, and you may need to slip the clutch to prevent stalling.
- Some automatic cars allow you to select second gear from a standstill for a gentler pull-away.
The RAC also emphasises that tyres provide less grip in all cold conditions, not just when ice is visible. They recommend considering winter tyres, which can offer significantly better performance in freezing temperatures.
With weather warnings active and households advised to use salt or sand on driveways, this expert guidance provides a timely reminder for all road users to adjust their driving to meet the severe challenges posed by Storm Goretti and the ongoing winter freeze.
