S’no(w) problem; four easy ways to stay safe on the roads this winter

Whether you love it or hate it, winter is definitely here. The best thing you can do is just accept it. Usually, this means getting cozy by the fire, drinking a warm drink and shutting yourself away from the outside world. Of course, as tempting as that is, it’s hardly realistic. Life doesn’t just stop because the temperature drops a few degrees. You still need to get out and about, and you probably will need to get behind the wheel in order to do that. Of all the wonderful things that winter has to offer, it certainly doesn’t make driving any easier. No other season presents as many risks when you’re out on the road as winter does. Here are four simple things to remember for driving during the winter.

Winter tyres

This is perhaps the most important thing that you can do to make yourself safer when you’re driving. Which makes it all the more terrifying that so many drivers simply don’t bother to think about it at all. If you want to avoid skidding across the road and putting yourself in danger, then make sure that you switch over to your car’s winter tyres as early as possible. Don’t wait until the ground is covered in slush and the temperature has dropped to below freezing.

Make sure you’re fully equipped

As well as the roads themselves, there are plenty of important things to focus on when it comes to staying safe. One of the easiest, and most effective, things that you can do is to make sure that you have all the right equipment that you’ll need to keep yourself safe and secure when you’re behind the wheel. Things like motorcycle helmets are a must for anyone getting on a bike this winter. Not only that, but all drivers need to make sure they have all the right gear in case of a winter breakdown. High visibility jacket, spare tyre, and breakdown cover are all essential.

Change the way you drive

The biggest safety issue when you’re on the road during the winter is that so many drivers refuse to adjust the way that they’re driving to accommodate for the conditions on the road. Slowing down is the best, and most important thing that you can do. It might be frustrating to have to drop your average speed by five-to-ten miles per hour but is that extra bit of speed really worth getting into a crash over? Similarly, make sure that you’re giving your other drivers a lot of space. Remember, the standard braking distance can double, or more, during cold, wet or icy conditions. The last thing you want to do is end up causing an accident because you didn’t change the way you drive based on the road conditions.

Keep your phone with you

You should always make sure that you have a way of contacting anyone in case of an emergency when you’re out on the road. You really don’t want to find yourself stuck in a ditch with no way to call anyone for help. Of course, make sure that you never use your phone while you’re driving.

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