Check what you know

Did you know?

Best practice tips

Check what you know

Did you know?

  • Winter driving comes with extra risks. Rapidly changing weather can impact visibility and road conditions, so preparation is key.
  • More than a third (34%) of drivers who have been involved in a collision or near-miss on a major road or motorway say weather played a role.
  • It only takes an egg cupful of water to be sucked into an engine to ruin it.

Best practice tips

Top tips for driving in heavy rain and floods:
Driving fast through standing water is inconsiderate, can cause loss of control and can also cause serious damage to your engine.

  • Don’t drive through flood water: there may be hidden hazards, and it may be deeper than it looks.
  • If it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down.
  • Use dipped headlights, especially if visibility is seriously reduced.
  • Give yourself more time to react – increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front to at least four seconds.
  • Beware of spray from other vehicles reducing your visibility.
  • Visibility affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.

Top tips for driving in strong winds:
Strong winds, either on their own or accompanying heavy rain as part of a storm, can be hazardous to road users.

  • Keep both hands on the steering wheel and an eye out for debris on the road.
  • Prepare for strong winds and gusts on exposed stretches of road.
  • Stay focused when crossing bridges where you’re more likely to encounter side winds. Keep room on either side of your vehicle to allow for it being blown sideways.
  • Leave extra room around cyclists and motorcyclists as they may veer across the road.
  • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially high-sided vehicles, and caravans.
  • Plan your journey carefully, checking weather and traffic bulletins regularly.

Top tips for driving in fog:
Fog is a major travel hazard which can affect visibility. It occurs most often in late autumn and towards the end of February, but can be a problem throughout spring and autumn.

  • Use dipped headlights, wipers and demisters. Avoid using full beam, as the fog reflects the light back, reducing visibility even further.
  • Use fog lights only when visibility is below 100 meters (328 feet).
  • Beware of other drivers not using headlights.
  • If you really can’t see, consider stopping until it’s safe to continue.
  • Only drive as fast as conditions allow.
  • Create a bigger gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
  • Slow down so you can stop within the distance you can see clearly.
  • Check your mirrors before you slow down and brake slowly.

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