How to avoid an accident this winter

Driving in winter requires a certain amount of caution and defensive driving. There are a number of extra precautions drivers can take to prevent accidents. Use the below tips to help you travel safely this winter.

Loose steering is one of the techniques that drivers can use to get out of a potentially slippery situation when driving over ice or a slippery patch on the road. The easiest way to do so is by shifting to neutral and slowly guiding the wheels back to their original direction.

Switching off your cruise control for the duration of winter is advisable as this will allow you to rely more on the petrol pedal and therefore have more control of the car's speed. This will also ensure that you are in better control of the brakes. Winter roads require gentle breaking to avoid the wheels locking at each stop, and can also prevent skidding.

Using your headlights, during the daytime, will aid in your vehicle's visibility to other drivers but and help to increase your own visibility while driving. Avoid driving at night during winter as the days are shorter, and ice and snow add to the winter night time driving battle.

It's important to constantly be aware of other road users, especially snowploughs and maintenance vehicles. These can seriously decrease your visibility and make manoeuvring on the road more difficult because of the road space they occupy. Double your following distance in winter to allow for more time to react should the unexpected occur.

Be prepared this winter and ensure you are protected with adequate breakdown cover; request a free quote from Green Flag today.