Although we are technically in the Spring, the threat of snow and ice is still with us, as many weather forecasts predict another beast from the east coming in March. Snow and ice can cause all sorts of problems, and travel is one of the things that is most often affected by these types of weather conditions.
Driving in the snow is something that requires much more concentration and plenty of planning in order to be safe. When snow is on the cards, you will notice that gritting vehicles that will have chapter 8 chevrons like this www.pvluk.com/chapter-8-chevrons on them will be out on the main roads to try and make the road surface as safe as possible, but it is not possible to grit every road in the UK and often snow can come down quickly and heavily, so there is a limited time to be able to do this.
Driving in the snow is best avoided if possible, however, this is not always something that you will be able to do. If you need to drive to get somewhere during periods of ice and snow, here are some things that might make your journey safer and easier for you…
Check Weather and Traffic Before you Drive – Nowadays we are lucky to have lots of ways to be able to check the weather forecast as well as the condition of the roads. If there is a better and safer route, use a route planner to direct you and check for any weather warnings that might be in place before you set off.
Check your Vehicle – You also need to take the time to prepare your vehicle. Ensure that you have good visibility by clearing any snow or ice from the windscreen, and also make sure that your lights are working as well as your windscreen wipers.
Keep a Good Distance – In the snow, the roads can be more unpredictable, so keeping more of a distance from cars around you and driving in a lower gear makes you and the other people on the road safer.
Have Supplies – If your car gets stuck somewhere you might need to be rescued, so make sure that you have things to keep you as comfortable as possible in the car, such as warm blankets, drinks and snacks.
Taking care around road works
Concentration matters at road works too, whatever the weather. Road workers face serious risks, and too many are injured or killed by drivers who are not paying attention or who go too fast through the works.
Workers protect themselves with hard hats, high visibility vests and clothing, and gloves, and they mark off their working area with cones, barriers and reflective chevrons. All of this only works if drivers notice it and respond. In poor visibility, such as during snow, those warnings can be harder to see, so slow down early and leave plenty of space.
Planning ahead helps everyone. Check your route for road works before you set off, allow extra time and follow the reduced speed limits. A few seconds saved by rushing through is never worth the risk to the people working at the roadside.
How snowier countries handle winter roads
The UK gets serious snow only every few years, so it is often less prepared than countries where heavy winters are normal. Gritting crews work hard to keep roads and car parks usable, but some areas still grind to a halt. Looking at how others manage shows what makes the difference.
Canada can see around 200cm of snow a year. Snow ploughs clear the roads, and drivers fit snow tyres and carry chains for grip. Some roads have winter no-parking zones so ploughs can clear a route quickly without parked cars in the way. In Sweden, drivers must fit specific winter tyres, local authorities have a legal duty to keep roads clear and safe, and business owners must keep the pavement outside their premises safe to walk on, either by shovelling snow or gritting. Because so much snow falls there, salt and grit alone cannot cope, so ploughs are used routinely. The lessons for UK drivers are simple: proper winter tyres, chains where needed and patience.