Each season has its dangers, but the combination of frosty mornings, dark skies and heavy rain makes winter an especially dangerous time to be on the road. Be the safest you can be with our five handpicked tips on winter road safety!
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Easy does it
The trick to winter road safety is to do everything a bit slower than usual. Keep this in mind from the moment you first jump in the car seat right through to arriving at your destination – especially when roads are wet or there’s been an overnight frost. Remember when first leaving the house to take a deep breath, inch out onto the road and accelerate slowly so you don’t risk your wheels spinning.
Treat your brake pedal gently
Take it easy on the brakes and drive to the weather conditions. Always keep in mind when there’s decreased visibility the people driving are going to take longer to register your brake light. It’s basic winter road safety etiquette (and much safer) to allow them ample time to hit the brakes!
Avoid sudden actions around corners
It’s no surprise that wet roads can get slippery! During heavy rain or fog it’s best to drive a few kilometres under the speed limit – even if it means you’re going to take longer to reach your destination. When taking a corner in wet conditions avoid changing gears, breaking hard or quickly turning the wheel. It’s all too easy to spin out and lose control.
Be extra aware of other drivers and pedestrians
Remember there are other cars on the road dealing with the wet weather conditions. You may love the heavy rain, but there are some drivers on the road, many actually, who do not! Be aware of learner drivers and always check your mirrors to see if there are cars close to you. Don’t forget to take extra care at pedestrian crossings. Be patient, drive slowly and play it safe!
Make sure you’ve kept your car serviced
Whether it’s winter or spring, your car should always be in top shape. We cannot stress how important it is to make sure you service your car regularly and ensure your tyres are in working order. A well functioning car is vital to your winter road safety. The tread on your tyres, brake alignment and engine function is especially important during winter. The last thing you want is a tyre blow out on a wet day! If it does though, you know who to call…
If you find yourself in a sticky situation on the roadside, call Marshall Batteries for roadside assistance, a jump start, a new battery or even a fuel top up! 1300 627 742