Ways To Stay Safe When Driving This Winter – Winter brings more than just colder weather and darker evenings, for those that are driving it brings with it a whole range of different and potentially dangerous driving conditions. Even as pedestrians you should keep in mind what visibility might be like for drivers and take extra care when crossing the road. On that note, ATS Euromaster have put together a couple of guides about being safe when driving in winter and myths surrounding what you shouldn’t and shouldn’t do. I thought it would be fun to see what people I knew thought about driving in winter – it makes for an interesting read!
Can You Mix Summer and Winter Tyres on Your Vehicle?
As someone who is learning to drive, I personally had no idea that you even had different types of tyres let alone that you needed to swap them for different seasons! I spoke to a friend of mine that is actually getting ready to put new tyres on this week and she said that she generally uses the same tyres all year round; however, when asked if she knew about winter tyres she said that she did but it wasn’t something she ever considered for her car! However, if you do want to remain safe when driving you should ensure that all 4 tyres on your car are the same, rather than a mixture of winter and summer tyres.
Maintaining Your Car For Winter
Giving your car the once over before the cold weather really kicks in is highly recommended, or getting help from someone that knows about mechanics if you’re unsure yourself. Even things like making sure your radiator has water, your screenwash is topped up and that your oil levels are right can stop unnecessary breakdowns. Making sure your tyres are up to the job is also essential – it is a good idea to swap to winter tyres if you’re able to, as this can help you when driving in cold weather. However, make sure that if you are going to swap them you do all 4 tyres and not just the ones that you feel need replacing due to low tread.
From SkitterPhoto @ Pexel
Should You Leave Your Car To Warm Up Before Setting Off?
I asked another friend about what they do to start their car on a cold day and they told me that sometimes they ‘start their car on the driveway and then pop inside the house to continue getting ready for work while the engine and the car warm up’. I asked if they thought they could get into trouble for this and they told me that as the car was on their driveway and no one could get access it was fine; however, actually, it can invalidate your insurance so I had to correct them. Obviously clearing your windscreen and car windows will be an essential way to stay safe when driving this winter.
Did you know you could get fined for leaving your car running while it is stationary when parked on the road?? You should always be in control of the car while it is running – including on your driveway! It’s also actually a myth that you need to get your car warmed up before setting up – modern cars are much more efficient and you’re fine to start the car and set off straight away, even on really cold days.
Be Extra Prepared for Long Journeys
Much like driving in the summer, it is essential that you are prepared for long journey’s. Plan a route out before you go and make sure you take a phone with you that has plenty of charge just in case. In cold weather throwing some blankets in the back of the car and a couple of bottles of water will be well received if you do break down and end up stranded somewhere for a few hours.
Consider the time of day you make your journey and if possible avoid very early in the morning or late at night – especially if you’re travelling on roads that are likely to be icy and untreated. I asked my boyfriend about driving in the snow and he said that “dimmed headlights are often best“. Although many people think that lights will help with visibility during the snowy weather, the truth is that when visibility is that poor dimmed headlights are often the way forward – which is something my boyfriend told me and the ATS Euromaster myths guide also confirmed.
Insurance, Essential Ways To Stay Safe While Driving This Winter
Insurance to drive is a legal requirement, so obviously you are going to buy insurance. However, the insurance you buy may cover you legally but leave much to be desired should you find yourself needing to use it. Talking to experts like Gap Insurance can help you get the right policy for your vehicle. Adequate insurance could prove one of the best ways to stay safe when driving this winter.
Is It Legal To Drive in Wellies?
I asked Georgina from She Might Be whether she thought it was legal to wear wellie’s to drive in and she told me “I wouldn’t say so because they seem uncomfortable and hard to move in. I haven’t personally worn them in years but they’re usually strong, thick, resistant, I imagine they’d cause difficulties driving!“. Actually, there is no law against any particular footwear so technically you could wear wellies if you wanted to, but the law does say that you should wear shoes that allow you to maintain control of the vehicle.
Should You Carry a Winter Emergency Kit?
Many people believe that it is a legal obligation to carry an emergency kit with them in the car, especially one that covers them in the winter months. However, as I pointed out to my friends it isn’t a legality to have any sort of emergency kit in your vehicle.
While there are rumours of being unable to wear wellies when driving and how you should carry an emergency car kit during winter which aren’t true, as the driver you do have some responsibilities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you’re wearing suitable clothing and footwear. A winter emergency kit isn’t law, but it could be wise to have one. After all, preparing for all eventualities can only be a good thing.
I really enjoyed reading the ATS Euromaster Winter Driving Myth Challenge and hope that these tips help but if you have any tips on ways to stay safe when driving this winter I’d love you to share them!
*Collaborative post
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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