As snow and ice warnings blanket parts of the UK, motorists are being urged to avoid common but costly winter driving errors that can lead to hefty penalties and serious accidents.
Essential Winter Checks to Avoid Fines
With freezing conditions taking hold, Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at dash cam firm Nextbase, has issued crucial advice. "Every year, bad weather contributes to thousands of incidents on the UK's roads," he warns, highlighting simple steps drivers can take to protect themselves.
His first directive is clear: ensure all windows are fully cleared. "Before embarking on your journey, take the time to remove all snow and ice from your vehicle's windows," Brooker states. This includes the windscreen, side windows, and rear window. Failing to do so could result in a £2,500 fine and three penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
The Overlooked Danger on Your Roof
A particularly overlooked hazard is snow accumulation on the car's roof. "As you clear your vehicle, don't forget about the top!" Brooker advises. While not explicitly illegal, driving with snow on your roof can lead to a £60 fine and three penalty points if it falls off and creates a hazard for others. This falls under section 229 of the Highway Code, which governs driving in adverse weather.
Adapting Your Driving for Safety
Brooker also provides vital guidance for behaviour on the road itself. In wet weather, he recommends doubling your following distance from two to at least four seconds. In icy or snowy conditions, this distance should be increased further, and speed reduced dramatically.
"In fact, you should do everything more slowly, as suddenly braking or turning can cause you to lose traction and skid," he explains. For manual cars, starting in second gear can offer more control.
Preparation is equally key. Brooker urges drivers to assemble a winter emergency kit for their car, including:
- Warm and waterproof clothing with sturdy footwear
- A high-visibility jacket and a shovel
- Jump leads and an old rug for wheel traction
- An ice scraper and a charged power bank for your phone
Finally, he suggests considering a dash cam, like those from Nextbase, which are tested in UK weather conditions. This can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident that wasn't your fault.
With the cold spell set to continue, these tips could be the difference between a safe journey and a costly, dangerous mistake on Britain's winter roads.
