Driving in bad weather: Choosing your route

Driving in different conditions

Use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you
If it's really foggy (less than 100m visibility) and you can't see much, then switch your fog lights and rear high intensity lights on
Fog is often patchy so try not to speed up as visibility improves. You could suddenly find yourself back in thick fog

Clear snow off all windows, number plates and lights - so you can see and be seen
Clear any snow on the roof of the vehicle before you drive off. It can slip down over the windscreen and obscure your view
Avoid revving your engine and spinning your wheels on the slippery surface. Slow and steady works best. Try starting off gently in second gear. Then move into third and avoid sudden steering and braking. Anticipating the road ahead of you becomes even more important, so that you keep moving steadily where you can rather than having to stop and then start off again - especially on hills
It's not always obvious that the road is icy. Look for clues such as ice on the pavement or on your windscreen, before you start your journey. If your tyres are making virtually no noise on the road it could be a sign that you're driving on ice
Don't brake harshly - you risk locking up your wheels and you could skid further
In severe cold or snowy conditions, look out for winter service vehicles spreading salt or using snow ploughs. They'll have flashing amber beacons and will be travelling at slower speeds. Stay well back because salt or spray is thrown across the road. Don't overtake unless it is safe to do so - there may be uncleared snow or previously untreated surfaces on the road ahead
When the main roads are clear, the side roads can often be snow-covered because they are less likely to have been treated and there is less traffic

When the road is wet, it can take twice as long to stop. Slow down and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front
If your vehicle loses its grip, or "aquaplanes" on surface water, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down

Take extra care on the roads and plan your journeys by checking the latest weather conditions
High-sided vehicles are particularly affected by windy weather but strong gusts can also blow a vehicle, cyclist, motorcyclist, or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges, high-sided vehicles or gaps in trees