Brace yourself, Britain is set to be hit by severe winter storms. In part one, Book Theory Test Today provided you with 5 top tips for staying safe on the roads this winter. In part two we offer up some more essential advice.
The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “Roads during Britain’s last severe winter were much less crowded than today’s highways. That’s because Britain’s last severe winter was a century ago. Nowadays, the modern driver needs a manual for surviving the roads in winter. So, here we go…â€
5 more top tips for safe winter driving brought to you by Book Theory Test Today…
Stay on busy roads – no, we’re not joking
Book Theory Test Today says: “Yes, we know you’re screaming at the screen right now saying I avoid busy roads to avoid the traffic. We would say this is sensible in the other seasons of the year, but in winter it’s actually safer to stick to roads where there is more traffic.â€
Why? Main roads are often cleared of snow and gritted, making them safe to drive on. The constant presence of vehicles also prevents snow from resettling on a road surface.
If you choose to stick to country lanes chances are these roads won’t have been cleared or gritted. You could breakdown on a single carriageway, and because you’re in the middle of nowhere, you might not have a phone signal, leaving you stranded for hours. So, although there’s no traffic, your journey could be much longer than you anticipated.
Make sure you can see
Apologies for stating the obvious, but the amount of vehicles that drive around iced up, steaming up or with snow still covering the rear window is common. So, make sure everything from mirrors to windows, are clear.
The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “Before winter really sets in, now is the time to top up your screen wash system with anti-freeze and make sure you have de-icer in the car.â€
Check your sat nav
If you rely on a sat nav heavily to get to places, failing to update it can cause major problems in winter. With new roads built every year, make sure your device is current before heading out on a long journey, because if you get lost in a snowstorm with no sat nav, you’re in trouble.
Keep your vehicle secure
Winter months mean dark nights descend more quickly and during these months, and throughout Christmas, crime rates increase. Sat nav devices are often stolen from cars, even when removed from the dashboard, because they leave a mark, meaning thieves will break into your vehicle to get to your glove box.
Wipe away these marks and keep all other valuables in your vehicle out of sight or keep them on you when possible.
Be prepared
Book Theory Test Today recommends that you pack your vehicle with essential items during winter in the event of an emergency. These items include:
- Appropriate footwear in case you need to leave the vehicle
- A torch and spare batteries
- Jumper cables (for those who know how to jump start a vehicle)
- Blankets and additional clothing such as gloves or boots and some food and water
- Hazard warning triangle
- Spare tyre and tools to change a flat
- Ice-scraper
- Spare bulbs
- De-icing equipment (for glass and door locks)
There you have it folks, you now have everything you need to stay safe on Britain’s roads this winter. Safe driving.
Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…
Tags: Driving Safety
