Driving in Extreme Weather Conditions
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You've got a spade, a blanket, a pair of wellies, a torch and a flask of hot drink and you're ready for anything Mother Nature can throw at you.
Except, of course, extreme weather conditions.
Here are three things that all drivers need to know about driving in icy and snowy weather.
1. Your most important asset is good visibility. Not only do clean windows make sense, but it is actually illegal to drive without good all-round visibility. Scrape off all ice and snow (never use hot water!), make sure all the mirrors are clear and the defroster has cleared the insides of the windows.
2. Driving on snow is dangerous, but at least you know it's there. Driving on ice is even more dangerous, not just because it can be more slippery, but mainly because you often can't see it. And the thicker it is, the harder it is to see.
Black ice forms when running water or standing water freezes on the road.
And it doesn't automatically disappear when the sun comes out it lingers in the shadows. Expect to find it on corners, bends and roundabouts that haven't been warmed by the sun and it won't take you by surprise when you do come across it.
3. Some people think that wearing sunglasses when you're driving in snow looks ridiculous. But it makes absolute sense. Low winter sunshine reflecting off snow can be blinding, so keep a pair of anti-glare glasses in the car.
Colin O'Connell is Chief Examiner for DIAmond Advanced Motorists and DIAmond Advanced Motorcyclists. He has been involved in road safety and advanced driving techniques for more than 40 years.
"Being able to anticipate black ice could save your life," says Colin. "Of all the things you need to know about driving in ice or snow, this is the most important."
Research Material:
DIAmond Advanced Motorists is a member of the Safety House group of organisations, which includes the DIA, the largest professional association for driver trainers in the UK, the IVV (International Association for Driver Education), IRSTE (Institute of Road Safety Training Executives), DERF (Driver Education Research Foundation), The Driving Instructor Accident and Disability Fund, SAFEX (world road safety conferences), DRIVEX ride and drive, and the publications Driving Instructor and Driving Magazine.
Related Articles:
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You've got a spade, a blanket, a pair of wellies, a torch and a flask of hot drink and you're ready for anything Mother Nature can throw at you.Except, of course, extreme weather conditions.
Here are three things that all drivers need to know about driving in icy and snowy weather.
1. Your most important asset is good visibility. Not only do clean windows make sense, but it is actually illegal to drive without good all-round visibility. Scrape off all ice and snow (never use hot water!), make sure all the mirrors are clear and the defroster has cleared the insides of the windows.
2. Driving on snow is dangerous, but at least you know it's there. Driving on ice is even more dangerous, not just because it can be more slippery, but mainly because you often can't see it. And the thicker it is, the harder it is to see.
Black ice forms when running water or standing water freezes on the road.
And it doesn't automatically disappear when the sun comes out it lingers in the shadows. Expect to find it on corners, bends and roundabouts that haven't been warmed by the sun and it won't take you by surprise when you do come across it.
3. Some people think that wearing sunglasses when you're driving in snow looks ridiculous. But it makes absolute sense. Low winter sunshine reflecting off snow can be blinding, so keep a pair of anti-glare glasses in the car.
Colin O'Connell is Chief Examiner for DIAmond Advanced Motorists and DIAmond Advanced Motorcyclists. He has been involved in road safety and advanced driving techniques for more than 40 years.
"Being able to anticipate black ice could save your life," says Colin. "Of all the things you need to know about driving in ice or snow, this is the most important."
Research Material:
DIAmond Advanced Motorists is a member of the Safety House group of organisations, which includes the DIA, the largest professional association for driver trainers in the UK, the IVV (International Association for Driver Education), IRSTE (Institute of Road Safety Training Executives), DERF (Driver Education Research Foundation), The Driving Instructor Accident and Disability Fund, SAFEX (world road safety conferences), DRIVEX ride and drive, and the publications Driving Instructor and Driving Magazine.
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Advanced Motorist Test | Advanced Motorist | Advanced Test | Advanced Driver | Advanced Driving | Auto | Autos | Automotive | Automobile | Automobiles | Auto News | Driver | Driving | Driving Test | Driving Instructor | Driving Instructors | Driver Education | Education | Emissions | Environment | Exam | Motoring | Motorist | News | Road | Roads | Road Safety | Safety | Safe Driving | Test | Vehicle | Vehicles | UK | United Kingdom
posted by Jon Fry at 6:01:00 PM
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