How to Drive in the Snow!

I’m by no means an expert on driving in the snow.  However, I’m Canadian and started driving at 16 (23 years ago) so I have a few years driving in treacherous weather.  I once called the AA and they said they’d get to me in 3 days!  This post is tempting fate and I’m sure I’ll end up pranging the car in the next few days so you can all point and laugh.

The thought of driving in the snow here in the UK doesn’t faze me, it’s the other people that, frankly, terrify me.  I’m often surprised when schools are closed and people can’t make it to work.  I know it’s not fair to compare Canada to the UK as you don’t have the infrastructure in place for a few days of snow but these short periods of weather seem to be getting longer and longer every year.

“Too many motorists simply jump in their cars on chilly mornings and treat adverse weather conditions as an inconvenience. The reality is that without proper preparation and a change in driving style, the consequences of snow and ice can be fatal.” from the BBC.

So, here are a few of my own tips to keep you a bit safer.

1.)    If you’re not confident or the thought of driving in the snow makes your blood pressure race then for the love of god walk away from the car, go back inside and make yourself a nice warm cuppa.  If you’re a nervous driver you won’t be able to react in time and will end up doing something stupid.  No journey is worth it.

2.)    DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use your brakes unless you absolutely have to.  Yes, this means that you have to drive at Grandma Speed but at least you’ll be able to stop when you need to.  If you are driving a manual use your gears.  If it is an automatic transmission then use the lower gears…those are denoted by the D1 and D2 on the column shift.

3.)    Do not speed

4.)    Just because you have a 4X4 it doesn’t mean you’re invincible so slow the f*ck down.  I don’t know how many times in Canada I’ve driven (smugly) past SUVs in the ditch in my little town car.

5.)    This one is actually in the road code, but most people seem to have forgotten.  If you are coming down a hill (icy or not) the person coming up the hill has the right of way.  If the person coming up the hill has to stop on an icy slope the laws of physics makes it nearly impossible for them to get going again.  If you are coming down the hill and unable to stop then you’re going to fast!

6.)    Use second gear when pulling out from a stop; it will prevent the wheels from spinning.

7.)    Try not to change gears when going up a hill.

8.)    If the worst happens and you start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator, DO NOT brake and steer in the direction of the skid.

Hope you have a safe journey!

 


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10 responses to “How to Drive in the Snow!”

  1. domesticgoddesque Avatar

    That’s so helpful….not that i will be trying any time soon, as the car is stuck in a snowdrift…

    1. mediocremum Avatar

      Ya, don’t drive if you don’t have to!

  2.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Sorry to carp, Chrissie, but the word is “faze” not “phase”. Otherwise very sound advice – I’ll stick it in front of OH next time I let him out!

    1. mediocremum Avatar

      Thanks for the tip off! I’ve changed it….thought it looked odd!

  3. Andrew Butler Avatar

    You forgot to mention making sure you can see out of the feckin thing before you drive off. I can’t believe how many people think it’s ok not to clear the windows, but then sometimes people even ride round on push-bikes facing backwards

    1. mediocremum Avatar

      and he cycles to the station in the snow. He came off his bike on the way home last night!

  4. Jayne Avatar

    Er, I think you’re all missing the point…YOU’RE 39?! Jesus woman, you look better at 39 that I do at 26! What’s your secret?!

    1. mediocremum Avatar

      Wine and fags???

  5. Simply_Hayley Avatar

    Great advice! I gave a certain person a lecture that they grew up in one of the worlds hottest countries thus their snow driving was pants, he didnt like it.
    I did my pass plus in the snow so had good practice and lots of advice and I knew most of those although I admit I didnt know the one about pulling away in second! I’m gonna remember that one!

  6. […] driving in the snow comes from a common-sense perspective. Mediocre Mum wrote an excellent post on How to Drive in the Snow if you want advice from someone with actual […]

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