Top 10 Tips to Driving Safely This Winter and Avoiding a Car Crash Claim

Written by Alexandria Martins-Hesp
Marketing Executive

If you’re finding yourself dashing out of the house an extra 5 minutes early to de-ice your car, then you know that winter has certainly arrived. But while we adapt to leaving more time to prepare our vehicles, we also need to adjust how we drive in these wintery conditions. As the daylight reduces each day and the winter brings more rain, snow and ice, the chances of you being involved in a road accident rises. Even though these harsh conditions may play a significant part in you having a collision, you could still be liable to pay compensation if the accident was believed to be your fault. Although our Personal Injury team is always on hand to offer legal assistance if you were involved in a road accident that was no fault of your own, we also want you to drive safely this winter to avoid a car crash and road accident injury claim occurring against you. Which is why we’ve come up with 10 top tips to drive safely this winter.

Wake up 10 minutes earlier to de-ice the car

Leave enough time so you can demist your car and scrape all the ice off the windows before you set off on your journey. This is to avoid the temptation of you driving with minimal visibility looking through a small patch in your icy windscreen.

Did you know?

No particular law declares you cannot drive with snow or ice on your car, but more general legislation and road rules determine that it is illegal to drive with your view obscured by snow or ice.

Section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988 supports the Highway Code and states “A person who contravenes or fails to comply with a construction and use requirement—

as to not driving a motor vehicle in a position which does not give proper control or a full view of the road and traffic ahead, or not causing or permitting the driving of a motor vehicle by another person in such a position.”

Allow extra time for winter journeys

Running late can lead you to rush, tempting you to reach high speeds, and failing to pay proper attention to the road, which just spells a recipe for a car crash disaster. With black ice being a cause for concern, you’ll want to take the time to be extra cautious when driving. Which is why it’s better to be safe than sorry and allow more time for winter journeys. The harsh, cold weather will also bring on more traffic and road closures, so leaving time for unexpected delays will always be beneficial.

Keep your distance

Be cautious in keeping extra distance between you and the car in front. Your stopping distance on snow and ice significantly increases, and what might usually be 2 seconds stopping gap can grow to you needing to leave a 10+ second gap. If you drive too close to the person in front, you won’t have enough time to stop, risking you crashing into the back of them, causing injury and car damage, and potentially having a claim against you.

Stick to major roads

Major roads with more traffic activity have a higher chance of being gritted and cleared of snow and ice. It’s best to avoid back roads and country lanes where possible, which are more likely to be hazardous and harder to access should you need road recovery or other assistance.

Did you know?

Under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1998, it is illegal to walk away from an idling car, and you could be faced with a £40 fine if caught doing so. Rule 123 of the Highway Code explains: “You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.”

This makes the action of leaving your car engine running to de-ice your car illegal, and you may want to obtain other de-icing methods to avoid an unwanted fine.

Carry a de-icer pack

It’s always ideal to have de-icer essentials on hand for unexpected cold nights. Your pack should include:

• pre-icer & de-icer spray
• all season windscreen wash
• ice scraper
• chamois demister pad

Keep a spare pair of shoes in the car

Have a pair of comfortable, dry shoes on hand for you to slip into before driving. Wearing wet shoes will risk the chances of your feet slipping on the pedals.

Check fuel levels

Make sure you have at least a quarter of a tank full in case of unforeseen delays or diversions.

Check battery health

Freezing cold weather can affect your battery’s performance, which will make it more difficult to start the engine. The battery will also be under more strain due to the excess use of running lights, heaters, and wipers in the winter.

So, it’s worth examining your battery before you drive in the cold weather. If you’ve had your vehicle battery installed for more than five years (the average life expectancy), consider getting it replaced.

Check your tyres

Whilst the law requires you to have your tread depth at a minimum of 1.6mm, the grip starts to reduce on anything under 3mm. Make sure you assess the conditions of your tyres this winter and replace them if needed.

If you are someone who drives regularly or long distances, it may be ideal to instal winter tyres on your vehicle, which will give you a better grip and traction on the roads.

Breakdown essentials

You could be waiting hours for road recovery to reach you if you break down, which isn’t ideal, especially in the cold weather. Here are some other essentials you should be carrying in your car all year round.

• torch
• blanket
• warm clothes
• bottled water
• first aid kit
• a map
• two reflective warning signs
• the contact number for your insurance and breakdown companies

If you do find yourself involved in a car crash that wasn’t your fault this winter, speak to our NO WIN – NO FEE Personal Injury Solicitors, who can help you with your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call today on 01582 34 34 53 or click here to find out more.