IAM Drive & Survive offers ice driving tips as harsh winter weather forecasted
Icy roads
Another harsh winter is forecasted throughout the UK and the driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive continues with its weekly motoring tips, with advice this week on driving on icy roads. Simon Elstow is the head of training at the driver training subsidiary of the IAM and offers six tips below:
- Check if your car or van has ABS or ESP. These systems will require a different approach when driving in icy and snowy conditions so use your vehicle manual for further information.
- Ensure you have a de-icer and a scraper in your vehicle at all times. Before setting off on your journey, make sure you clean any ice or condensation from all the windows so that your visibility is clear. Air conditioning is very good at demisting a vehicle, so if you have this function in your vehicle do use it.
- When you set off on level ground or if going downhill consider using second gear, releasing the clutch and accelerating gently. Do try to park and stop your vehicle where you also don’t have to start uphill.
- As you drive, stay in higher gears to minimise the possibility of wheel spin on icy roads.
- Stopping distances are increased by up to 10 times in icy conditions, so do leave more distance than usual between your car and the car in front.
- If your car does lose grip, take your foot off the accelerator, disengage the clutch and steer smoothly.
Mr Elstow went onto say,”We all need to respect the weather and make adjustments to deal with it. Being mentally prepared as well as having the right equipment is vital, so think about last year, what problems it caused you, and what you need to do to overcome them if they come this year”.
For more information about IAM Drive & Survive you can phone on 0870 120 2910 or try their website which is located @ www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk
Tags: car, driving, iam drive & survive, icy conditions, vehicle
Why not try our quote shoppers to lease a vehicle?
