Annie Winterburn, driving instructor and owner of Spot On Driving, has shared three key checks you must make in the winter to avoid accidents, as well as two other important tips
During the winter months, the extreme weather, such as cold, snow and ice, can make it very difficult to drive. The challenging conditions mean we have to take extra care when we’re on the road – or risk causing an accident involving ourselves and others.
Freezing temperatures, poor visibility and slippery roads are all factors that can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and have an accident. Annie Winterburn, driving instructor who runs Theory Test Practiceis urging drivers to take care this winter and stay safe. In an exclusive chat with Mirror, Annie shared her five ‘top tips to help you stay safer on the roads this winter’.
These include three important checks you need to do before you set off at all – and one of them is de-misting your windows. Annie explained: “Don’t start driving if your windows are misted up. You can’t see properly. And don’t keep on driving if your windows are misted up while you’re driving along.”
READ MORE: Driving instructor explains what two lines on kerb really mean after ‘confusion’
The driving expert also urges people to find out how to use their de-misters before even setting off, so you know what to do if they start to fog up. Another important check is the fuel tank – because you don’t want to run out of fuel in the winter.
Annie explained: “Running out of fuel at any time is inconvenient but running out of fuel in the winter is so much worse. Don’t let your fuel tank get too low. You could aim to keep it half topped up at all times.”
Some experts suggest running out of petrol during the winter can cause condensation to form on the walls of the tank, leading to water droplets which sit at the bottom of it. If temperatures drop, and that water freezes, the repairs could be costly.
Another check you should make before setting out on the road is your tire condition. Annie said: “You need to have a good grip on the road so having tires in good condition is essential. By law, you should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm but your grip will start to reduce, when you get anything less than 3mm. Look for cuts and bulges in your tires. Check your tread depth replace any tires if necessary.”
When it comes to driving, Annie says it’s incredibly important to stay visible to other drivers – and it’s something people often forget. She said: “So many people forget to put their lights on when it’s dull or it’s starting to go dark. this means that other road users can’t see you as clearly, so they are more likely to pull out in front of you. Put your dipped headlights on when it’s starting to go dark, it’s dull or when it’s raining during the day.”
And while you’re driving, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping a correct distance between you and the car in front. She explained:Don’t drive too close to the vehicle in front of you. If they have to brake suddenly you won’t be able to stop in time, and you’ll likely go into the back of them if you are too close. If the roads are dry you should be two seconds away from the car in front of you. If it’s wet, that’s doubled to four and if it’s icy, it’s 10 times the gap, which is 20 seconds.”
You can sign up to Theory Test Practice here.
اترك تعليقاً