'Sensible' Winter Driving

Just because we have freezing temperatures and a little snow, it seems many drivers have completely lost it!  I base my statement on a number of crazy antics I have witnessed over the Christmas holiday period.  So come on folks, sooner or later someone will get killed as a result of sheer lunacy. Apart from the usual 'keep the car in good order', etc, please give due consideration to the following: - 1. Be sensible!  If it looks impossible, it probably is, so don't try. 2. Look out for the other lunatics, give them a wide berth and try not to copy them. 3. Read the car handbook to find out what the vehicle manufacturer recommends in low temperatures and for driving in snow and ice. 4. It's pretty obvious stuff, but ice and snow is slippery and will increase stopping distances, and help you slide nicely off the road or into another road user after taking a bend too fast. 5. Remember the basic laws of physics - no electronic wizardry is going to change them, although it may help retain some semblance of order. 6. Keep your fuel tank topped up in case you do get stranded and need to keep the engine running for warmth. 7. Carry some emergency rations and warm clothes, and a high-viz jacket or coat too. 8. Make sure you have a mobile phone with you, and tell people where you are going. 9. And for the 4 x 4 brigade - for once you are laughing if you know how to use your kit properly!  But remember 4 x 4's can and do get stuck. 10. Congratulate yourself on being sensible for allowing some extra time for the journey. A very personal view from our Website editor, which may not be fully representative of that of Advanced Driver Services Ltd.