What are the safety precautions for driving in snowy and icy weather?

A mechanic’s perspective: Winter tyres are non-negotiable. Standard tyres harden in cold weather, losing grip. Winter compounds stay flexible, improving braking and cornering. Check tread depth (minimum 3mm for snow). Also, test your battery – cold reduces its efficiency. Keep screenwash topped up with a winter-grade mix to prevent freezing.

Driving in snowy and icy conditions requires extra caution to ensure safety. The key precautions include reducing speed, increasing following distance, and using winter tyres for better grip.

1. Slow down – Ice and snow reduce traction, so drive well below the speed limit.
2. Increase following distance – Allow at least 10 seconds between you and the car ahead.
3. Use winter tyres – These provide better grip in temperatures below 7°C.
4. Gentle inputs – Avoid sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp steering to prevent skidding.
5. Clear windscreen and lights – Ensure full visibility by removing snow and ice.
6. Carry essentials – Keep a shovel, blanket, and de-icer in the boot.
7. Check weather updates – Avoid driving if conditions worsen.

Cars like the Vauxhall Corsa or Ford Focus with stability control can help, but driver skill is most important. If you skid, steer gently into the direction of the slide and ease off the accelerator.

Safety precautions for driving in snowy and icy weather are as follows:

Pay attention to anti-skid and avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration: The ground is very slippery in snowy conditions. To prevent skidding, you should decelerate in advance by gently applying the brakes. Sudden acceleration or deceleration can be very dangerous, so accelerate and decelerate slowly.

Use the brakes flexibly and avoid slamming them suddenly: On snowy roads, avoid slamming the brakes abruptly. It is recommended to use intermittent braking—press and release the brakes alternately. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, you can press the brake pedal all the way down. Slamming the brakes may cause skidding at any time.

Keep the steering angle small and avoid sharp turns: Due to reduced tire grip, tires are less responsive to directional changes. Sharp steering can lead to skidding or even rollovers.

Adjust the vehicle lights properly, including high beams, low beams, and fog lights: Visibility is low in snowy weather. Turn on the clearance lights and front/rear position lights to alert other vehicles and indicate your vehicle's position, which is crucial for safety.