9 mins read
It is that time of year again when winter has arrived, bringing colder temperatures, increased rain, fog, and, as we’ve seen this week, frost and even snow in some areas. These conditions can naturally make driving more challenging, so it’s important for all drivers to take extra precautions to ensure their safety, and that of other road users.
Below are some essential tips to help you navigate the roads safely this winter.
1. Prepare and Know Your Vehicle
Before heading out, make sure your vehicle is ready to handle winter conditions:
- Know Your Vehicle: It may seem obvious, but if you’ve recently switched to an electric vehicle or are driving a temporary rental, take time to familiarise yourself with the controls before you set off. This includes locating essential features like your fog lights. With many modern vehicles using touchscreens, finding the right control can be tricky—and unsafe—while driving. Learn how to access these features beforehand to ensure a smoother and safer journey.
- Check Your Tyres: Ensure they have adequate tread depth (at least 3mm is recommended), and that they are properly inflated.
- Top-Up Fluids: Fill your windscreen washer fluid with a winter mix to prevent freezing, and check coolant levels.
- Inspect your Wipers and Lights: Ensure wiper blades are in good condition and all lights are functioning to maximize visibility.
2. Plan Ahead
- Check Weather Forecasts: Stay informed about potential snow, frost, or heavy rain in your area or along your route. Met Eireann have a dedicated page on their website for the current Warning & Advisories in place – Click here to view.
- Plan Extra Time: Allow additional time to travel at a slower pace, especially in poor visibility or icy conditions.
- Stick to Main Roads: Where possible use the main roads as these are more likely to be gritted and cleared of snow compared to rural or secondary roads.
3. Adjust Your Driving
- Slow Down: Reducing your speed gives you more time to react to slippery conditions.
- Increase Following Distance: On icy roads, it takes longer to stop, so leave at least a 10-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.
- Gentle Manoeuvres: Accelerate, brake, and steer smoothly to avoid losing traction. In a manual vehicle accelerate in the highest gear possible and use a lower gear when going down a hill.
- Beware of Black Ice: Look out for shaded areas, bridges, or overpasses where ice forms more quickly.
4. Be Equipped for Emergencies
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including:
- A high-visibility jacket
- De-icer and an ice scraper
- A small shovel for snow
- A torch and spare batteries
- Blankets or warm clothing
- Non-perishable snacks and water
- A fully charged mobile phone with emergency contacts saved
5. Stay Vigilant & Take Precautions in poor weather conditions
- Use your lights wisely: Use dipped headlights in fog or heavy rain, and fog lights when visibility is severely reduced.
- Avoid Sudden Stops: Brake gently to avoid skidding on wet or icy roads.
- Watch for Hazards: Be alert for fallen branches, debris, or flooding after storms.
- Avoid Deep Water: If you can’t gauge the depth of water, find an alternate route. Driving through water deeper than your exhaust pipe can damage your engine.
- Dry Your Brakes: After driving through water, gently press your brakes to dry them.
6. Know When to Stay Off the Road
If conditions are extremely poor with heavy snow, ice, or storms, consider postponing non-essential trips. Safety always comes first.
Driving in winter doesn’t have to be daunting. By preparing your vehicle, adjusting your driving habits, and staying alert to changing conditions, you can confidently navigate the roads during Ireland’s colder months.
Stay safe and enjoy the drive!