Driving safely in snow and icy conditions 

Driving in winter presents a number of challenges especially when you are dealing with snow and ice. New Zealand’s winter is no stranger to some wild weather. Driving in these conditions can be dangerous and precautions must be taken to ensure your own safety and the safety of other drivers. 

So before you brave the weather in your car make sure you have your bases covered for winter driving safety. 

There are two major factors that influence your safety when it comes to driving in these conditions, the condition of your vehicle and how well you adjust to the road. 

Here are some tips to help you minimise the risk on the road:

• Check all your lights are working from brake lights to hazard lights, tail lights and indicators 
• Make sure you have a current warrant of fitness
• Check your tyres have sufficient tread and are at all times properly inflated
• Keep the inside and outside of your windscreen and windows clean and clear 
• Ensure your heating and ventilation systems are in working order. This is important for demisting your car in foggy conditions
• Always give your car time to warm up in cold conditions
• In extreme snow or ice you may need to use snow chains on your tyres

Preparing your car for these conditions will get you so far but the most important safety precautions are in your hands when you are driving. 

• Take extra care when driving in snow and ice. The road will be more slippery and your visibility may be hindered
• Extend your following distances from 2-3 seconds to 4-5 giving yourself plenty of time to stop if needed and giving yourself space from the other cars on the road in front of you
• Keep your speed in check, drive under the speed limit at all times. Learn to adjust your speed to the roads conditions
• Avoid breaking heavily and try to use your breaks sparingly. If you need to slow down, take your foot off the accelerator well in advance and tap your breaks lightly to stop. This will help you to avoid sliding on snowy or icy roads
• If you do start sliding do not panic. Pump the breaks and turn into the slide. Slamming on your breaks in this situation will not help
• Follow at a safe distance in the same tracks as the car in front of you - this will be the least icy or snowy part of the road as it is the most used
• Do not accelerate too rapidly, this will cause skidding or spinning of tyres. When you start off build up speed slowly
• If you can’t stop and your breaks lock, try to steer towards a curb - if you are not going too fast this will slow you down safely