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Statistics show that the winter months are when the most road accidents are likely to occur. According to figures compiled by insurer Admiral, 23% of people in the UK have admitted to being involved in a road accident whilst driving in harsh winter weather conditions.
Whether you are a new driver who just passed your test or you’ve been driving for many years, driving on a busy motorway during the winter months can be challenging.
It can even be frightening for some. That is why a refresher course, which specifically includes motorway driving, can be all you need to boost your confidence and keep you safe.
In the meantime, here are some tips for staying safe when driving in winter.
Avoid Breakdowns
What many drivers most fear is having their car break down in winter, on the motorway, in the dark.
This is why you need to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready. The RAC recommends using a simple acronym – FORCES – to help you remember some basic checks:
- Never start any journey without enough fuel to get you there and back. This will cover you for unexpected detours or delays. Cars use more fuel in stop/start conditions in heavy traffic
- Check the oil level regularly using the dipstick in the engine or by using the settings in the car’s dashboard computer. Never allow oil levels to become too low or run out completely as this can mean very expensive repairs
- Your tyres should have the legal amount of tread to ensure a good grip in wet conditions. The legal tread limit in the UK is 1.6mm. Check that the rubber parts of your wiper blades are not corroded, split or covered in dirt
- Check that there is sufficient water in the radiator and top up with antifreeze if needed
- Do a thorough check of your lights, indicators and battery. Your local garage or Halfords will check the condition of the battery for you. As winter driving draws more power from the battery it is essential to replace it if necessary
- Screen Wash. Keep your windscreen clear from snow, ice, salt and grit in winter by using a screen wash which is effective down to -15 degrees Celsius.
Motorway Driving in Winter: Should you take a Pass Plus course?
Your car may be ready for winter motorway driving but are you? Rather than set out onto a motorway and just hope for the best or avoid motorways altogether, which will significantly limit your driving skills, why not consider taking a specialist motorway driving course?
A Pass Plus course, such as that offered by an experienced driving instructor is the ideal way in which to learn new driving techniques and enhance your skills.
You can also gain more confidence. What’s more, you won’t have to pass a test at the end of the course.
What Can a Pass Plus Course Do for You?
Learning to drive and passing your test with an instructor by your side is the easy part. Going out on your own not knowing what road conditions you’re going to face is another thing entirely.
There are conditions you may not have faced while you were learning such as country lane driving, bad weather condition driving and motorway driving.
These are exactly the kind of skills a Pass Plus course can give you. An added advantage comes with the potential to lower your insurance premiums.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency designed course, which is made up of 6 separate modules and covers a range of driving conditions teaches you essential skills to give you confidence.
That way, you can get in your car, knowing that you can deal with any kind of situation on the motorway this winter.
