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Make sure you know how to safely drive in chilly conditions, as weather temperatures are set to plummet

The UK is expected to experience plunging temperatures towards the end of January and eafly Feb and weather warnings have been issued across most of the country. 

Ideally, on those snowy days, we’d be tucked up inside in the warm until it thaws but sometimes you can’t avoid driving. We’ve got no control over the weather and it’s best to stay at home but if you must venture out, then it’s a good idea to prepare for the upcoming drop in temperature and risk of snowfall. Here is everything you need to know about how to drive safely in the snow: 

Preparing to drive 

Snowy driving is a risk, so you need to ensure you’ve taken every precaution. Plan the route to your destination ahead of time so you know exactly where you’re going, and you don’t have to rush to get there. 

ensure your phone is fully charged up and that you’ve packed a bag of essentials

It’s also smart to ensure your phone is fully charged up and that you’ve packed a bag of essentials, especially if you’re going on a long journey. This is so you’re able to contact help if you encounter any delays or your car breaks down and stay safe while you wait for them to reach you. 

Driving safely in the snow 

Once you’re on the road, accidents increase by 20% amongst drivers in the colder months. Not to worry though, there are some safety measures you can put in place to prevent any accidents. While you should avoid driving in heavy snow, you can improve your safety by following these steps:

• Use dipped headlights 
• Accelerate gently, using low revs and higher gears 
• Driving in second gear will help with wheel slip 
• Leave plenty of room between cars on the road 
• If you start to skid, steer into it, and don’t slam your brakes

In the case of an accident, make sure you contact medical professionals immediately. If you don’t receive the medical help you need, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim. 

Stay safe when you’re snowed in 

Even staying inside during extreme weather conditions can prove to be dangerous. In the event that your power is cut off during heavy snowfall, there are some things you can do to stay safe until it comes back on again. 

Make sure you and your family wrap up warm with any winter clothes or blankets you have to hand. For our furry family members, it’s important to keep them warm too, by allocating a safe space away from the snow and wet. You can also increase the warmth in your home by blocking any drafts with towels and keeping your thermostat at the same temperature day and night.