How To Stay Safe When Driving On Snow And Ice

Although UK winters are generally becoming milder, icy and snow-covered roads remain a common hazard, especially in upland regions and throughout much of Scotland. When conditions deteriorate, driving can quickly become hazardous. And it’s for that reason, motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary trips and only travel when absolutely essential.

One of the most fundamental driving principles becomes even more important in snow and ice: keeping your eyes well ahead of the car. Reduced traction means braking distances increase dramatically, and steering responses can be slower and less predictable. Research suggests that snow can slow reaction times by as much as 34 percent. National Highways also warns that stopping distances on ice may be up to ten times longer than in normal conditions.

 

When descending hills in slippery conditions, engine braking can be an effective way to control speed. In automatic cars, this simply means easing off the accelerator. Drivers of manual cars can shift down to a lower gear, allowing engine revs to rise and speed to drop more gradually.

 

Using the brake pedal too firmly risks locking the wheels or triggering the anti-lock braking system (ABS), either of which can unsettle the car. Engine braking, by contrast, slows the wheels smoothly without sudden intervention. This approach helps maintain stability and reduces the chance of skidding, after which gentle braking can be applied if needed.

 

Be especially alert for darker patches on the road surface, which can indicate black ice. Once grip is reduced, abrupt steering inputs or heavy braking should be avoided at all costs. Sharp movements are far more likely to cause a loss of control. The safest approach is to guide the car steadily across icy or snowy sections with minimal input. Passing other vehicles is rarely advisable in these conditions, even when gritters have treated the road.

 

Fog lights exist primarily to make your car more visible to others, not to improve your own vision. They should only be switched on when snowfall, rain or fog is heavy enough to significantly reduce visibility. Rear fog lights in particular can dazzle following drivers if used unnecessarily, so they should be turned off as soon as conditions improve.

 

Once you’ve reached your destination, there are a few simple steps that can prevent problems later. Lifting the windscreen wipers away from the glass helps stop them freezing in place, while leaving a manual car in first gear, or selecting Park in an automatic, reduces the risk of the vehicle rolling.

 

Beyond that, fitting winter tyres can make a substantial difference in cold weather, although uptake remains low in the UK. They offer improved grip and control when temperatures drop. Snow chains can also be used in extreme conditions, but if the situation calls for them, it may be wiser to reconsider the journey altogether. If other vehicles lose traction and block the road, you may find yourself stranded regardless of how prepared you are.