With winter upon us, it’s important both motorists and pedestrians adjust to the weather conditions accordingly.
From driving in extreme wet weather to poor visibility, here are some valuable tips on how everyone can play their role in keeping our roads safe.
Drive and dress to the conditions
An essential rule as a motorist is to drive to the conditions. Whether that’s in rain, fog, or just low visibility – it’s vital you adjust your driving style to suit the winter weather. That means maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
While this should always be done, it’s even more important in poor conditions, with vehicles taking twice as long to come to a complete stop in wet weather. Giving yourself some extra buffer space might just be what stops you from having an accident resulting in an injury or worse.
It’s also important to remember – it’s not a race. If the weather calls for it, reduce your speed and take off a little slower than usual. Wet roads can be slippery and cause your vehicle to slide and lose control. By accelerating smoothly and braking gently, you’re much less likely to spin out.
Winter means darker skies and poorer weather – which also means less visibility. To increase your visibility to other road users, always remember to turn on your vehicle’s headlights – it will not only help you see, it will also help others to see you.
Poor weather also means darker skies and as a pedestrian, it’s important to wear light and bright clothing when visibility is low. If you’re travelling at night or during cloudy weather, cars may not be able to see you – especially in darker clothing. We encourage pedestrians to consider how visible they are on the road, particularly during winter.
If it’s flooded – forget it
Large puddles can be deceptive, and it’s always the better option to avoid driving through them. You never know what lies beneath a puddle, which could include debris, potholes or a washed-away road surface. Just 15cm of water can make your car float – leaving you in serious danger.
As the State Emergency Service says, “never drive through flood waters, it might just be the last thing you do.”
Check the weather – and your vehicle
Before you head out for a drive, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast. If heavy rain or hail is on the cards – it might be best to postpone your travel for the time being. If you’re already on the road and start losing visibility, find a safe spot to pull over until the conditions improve.
Winter is also a timely season to check up on the maintenance of your car. Ensure your tyres have sufficient tread, your windscreen wipers are working correctly, and your lights and brakes are working correctly. Just a minor checkup might help with the extra strain winter conditions can put on your vehicle.
Distractions can be dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. As a pedestrian, put your phone down and pause any audio playing through your headphones. As a motorist, it’s illegal to touch your phone while driving.
Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, it’s essential to remain vigilant at all times and play your role in keeping our roads safe for everyone.
For more tips and information on various topics, head to our Safety Tips page and remember to follow us on social media.