As it gets colder out, particularly first thing in the morning, the roads are a bit frostier and we need to take a bit of extra care.
The wintry weather conditions don’t need to put you off driving, but there are some tips for driving on a frosty morning or a particularly cold late afternoon, this winter…
1. Don’t brake on leaves.
Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Drive slowly through them and avoid hard or sudden braking. Leaves can obscure lane lines and other road markers, so pay attention to the edge of the road and take care to stay in your lane.
2. Avoid sun glare.
Following the autumnal equinox (in September time) the first 15 to 45 minutes after sunrise and before sunset can make for more difficult driving, with the sun glare. The sun perfectly aligns with east/ west roadways during this time. It’s worth having sunglasses handy when you drive in the daytime, keeping your windshield clean and even using north/ south streets or streets with tree cover when possible.
3. Be aware of slippery roads.
During autumn and winter, there’s often increased rainfall. When it’s raining, maintain a a safe distance behind the car in front of you. The wet roads may be more slippery than usual and you may be at higher risk of hydroplaning. Use your low beams or fog lights in fog conditions.
4. Take care on bridges.
As the temperature begins to drop, morning frost can leave icy patches on bridges, overpasses and shaded spots on the road. Go slower.
5. Allow your eyes time to adjust.
We lose 1 to 2 minutes of daylight daily after the autumnal equinox. After leaving home or the office and before driving, give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. It takes them between 2 and 5 minutes to start adjusting.
6. Watch out for wildlife.
Particularly on more remote, back or country roads, watch out for deer – as autumn marks the beginning of their breeding season and will likely be more present around roads. Deer are most active during sunset and sunrise – so be on extra alert when driving near the woods and near deer crossing signs.
7. Keep your vehicle in check.
You should:
- Check your tyre pressure. Tyres lose pressure as the temperatures drop.
- Replace your windshield wipers. A really clean window can help you see when there’s glare.
- Adjust your headlights. If your headlights seem too dim, ask your mechanic to make sure they’re properly aligned.