What advice can you give me on driving in winter?
If you have a long journey to make on public transport, dress for the season and forecast and have a means of contacting your family in case of delays. For a long journey, carry a small snack and some water if possible.
Check out Traveline by calling 0871 200 22 33 to see if there are any delays or disruptions to services.
Find rules for driving in adverse weather conditions, including wet weather, icy and snowy weather, windy weather and fog: The Highway Code | gov.uk
What can you check before you travel?
- Check the daily forecast and road treatment plans
- Check the road cameras to find out road conditions
- Check our service disruptions and social media channels to find out about any road closures or problems
How to look after your vehicle
Keep your vehicle in good condition at all times and follow this checklist before you go out
- All lights clean and working, washer bottle full (use a high concentration of screenwash)
- Clean mirrors and windows inside and out
- Keep tyres at the right pressure with plenty of tread
- Consider fitting winter tyres
- Keep the battery fully charged and topped up
- Watch the weather forecast, use gritted roads, look at the map overleaf
- Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive
- Don’t use your mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make the call
What can you put in a winter travel survival kit?
You can’t always avoid bad weather, but if you have to make a journey in difficult conditions then it pays to be prepared all year round.
Carry an emergency kit in your car:
- warm clothes, boots and a blanket
- fully charged mobile phone
- a hot drink in a flask
- energy boosting food
- a pen or pencil
- a first aid kit
- a torch
- an ice-scraper
- a map for any unplanned diversions
- a shovel for snow
- If possible include a tow rope, some sand and a solid wooden board for the jack.
If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see your car and that you are visible at the side of the road.
