Guidance - Driving in Snow and Ice
This guidance should be read in conjunction with the health and safety policy on driving at work.
In bad weather conditions only essential journeys should be undertaken. In these circumstances
every effort should be made to minimise the risk of such driving. The following is intended as a
guide to what precautions should be taken:
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Do not go out until the snow ploughs and gritting vehicles have had a chance to do their
work, and allow extra time to reach your destination.
If you are not confident driving and handling your vehicle in icy conditions then re-consider
the need to drive.
Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to driving your vehicle in slippery conditions.
Listen and watch any weather warnings and be prepared to change or delay your journey
depending on advice being given.
Vehicle preparation
 Make sure your vehicle is maintained to a suitable and sufficient standard by having it
serviced annually and ensuring any repair work is carried out promptly.
 Check tyre pressure and condition of tyre tread (minimum 3mm) whenever you fill up with
fuel
 Check antifreeze levels
 Keep a map in the vehicle to help with any unplanned diversions
 Keep fuel levels high
 Keep the following items in your vehicle in poor weather conditions:
o Mobile phone
o Shovel
o Bag of salt, gravel or grit sand
o Ice scraper, de-icer
o Torch and batteries
o Boots and warm clothing, blanket, hat and gloves
o Personal first aid kit
o Battery jump leads
o Food and warm drinks
o Reflective warning triangle
o High viz jacket or vest
Driving on icy roads
 Reduce your speed and leave plenty of room to stop (you need three times more space
than usual between you and the vehicle in front).
 Brake gently to avoid skidding and if your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brakes or
practice cadence braking if you do not have ABS.
 Turn on your headlights to allow other motorists to see you more easily
 Keep your headlights and windscreen clean
 If you don’t hear your tyres on the road then this could be a sign that you are driving on ice.
Using low gears will help give you traction especially on hills.
 Do not use cruise control.
 Be especially careful on rural roads which are used less frequently.
 Do not assume your vehicle can cope with the conditions.
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Do not overtake snow ploughs and gritting vehicles. You are likely to find the road in front of
them worse than the road behind.
Clear snow off the roof of your vehicle before you drive off to avoid it slipping down over the
windscreen or blowing off onto the vehicle behind and creating a viewing hazard.
If your vehicle does skid, depress the clutch and gently turn the steering wheel into the
direction of the skid. When the vehicle straightens, steer along the road. Do not brake – it
will just lock up your wheels and you will skid further.
Skids (Rear Wheel)
 Take your foot off the accelerator
 Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left,
steer left. If they are sliding right, steer right.
 If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel
toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle
completely under control.
 If you are forced to brake and have standard brakes, pump them gently
 If you are forced to brake and have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply
steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.
Skids (Front Wheel)
 Take your foot off the accelerator
 Depress the clutch but do not try to steer immediately.
 Do not brake
 Turn the steering wheel gently in the direction of the skid then as the vehicle straightens,
steer along the road
 Release the clutch and accelerate gently
If you get stuck
 Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Turn your wheels from side to
side a few times to push snow out of the way and accelerate lightly to ease the vehicle out
 Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car
 If possible pour sand, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels t help improve traction
 Try rocking the vehicle (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission
on some vehicles)
 Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch
on the accelerator until the vehicle gets going.
If you become stranded
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UHSE
Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to
possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation by moving.
Use your mobile phone to call for help if possible
If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for
about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of fuel in the tank
Protect yourself from hypothermia by dressing warmly and using the blanket,
drinking hot drinks etc
Keep one window slightly open to provide fresh air and avoid sealing up the car
June 2012