Driving Safely When the Weather Turns Extreme
Extreme weather makes driving significantly more challenging. Whether you’re facing torrential rain, dense fog, or treacherous ice, adjusting your driving style and preparing your vehicle are essential for staying safe.
Mastering Driving in Heavy Rain and Floods
Driving in wet conditions demands extra caution. Stopping distances can double on wet roads, so it’s vital to reduce your speed and increase the gap between you and the vehicle ahead. I always make a point of raising the two-second rule to at least four seconds in the rain. Using dipped headlights is a must to improve your visibility to other road users. It’s also wise to keep your air conditioning on to prevent windows from misting up.
Spray from larger vehicles can suddenly obstruct your vision, so be particularly careful when overtaking. A frightening experience on wet roads is aquaplaning, where your tyres lose contact with the road surface. If you feel the steering become light, ease off the accelerator and avoid braking until you feel the tyres grip the road again.
What to Do When Encountering Flooded Roads
Flooded roads present a serious hazard. It’s often impossible to judge the depth of the water, and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to sweep a car away. If you encounter floodwater, the safest option is to find an alternative route. If you must proceed and the water is shallow (no more than 10cm or 4 inches deep), drive through slowly in a low gear while keeping the engine revs high to prevent stalling. After passing through water, always gently test your brakes to ensure they are working correctly.
Navigating Through Snow and Icy Conditions
Before setting off in snow or ice, it’s a legal requirement to clear all windows of your vehicle for complete visibility. You must also ensure your lights and number plates are clean and visible. When driving, all movements should be gentle. Accelerate slowly, using a higher gear, like second, to reduce wheel spin. Braking distances can be up to ten times longer in icy conditions, so leave a much larger gap to the vehicle in front.
To slow down, it’s often better to change down through the gears rather than braking harshly. If you start to skid, steer gently in the direction of the skid to regain control. One winter, I remember my car sliding on black ice; staying calm and avoiding sudden braking allowed me to steer out of it safely.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Journeys
Proper vehicle preparation is a critical step for safe winter driving. Ensure your tyres have adequate tread depth; while the legal minimum is 1.6mm, a depth of at least 3mm is recommended for better grip in winter. It’s also a good idea to pack a winter emergency kit. Valuable items include an ice scraper, de-icer, a torch, warm clothing, blankets, a shovel, and a fully charged mobile phone.
How to Drive Safely in Foggy Conditions
Fog drastically reduces visibility, making it one of the most dangerous driving conditions. You are required by law to use your headlights when you cannot see for more than 100 metres. This distance is roughly the length of a football pitch.
You should only use your front or rear fog lights when visibility is “seriously reduced.” Using them when visibility is better can dazzle other drivers and obscure your brake lights. Always switch them off as soon as conditions improve. We once had a close call when a car in front had its fog lights on in light mist, making it hard to see their brake lights. Reduce your speed, keep your windows clear using demisters, and be prepared to stop within the distance you can see.
My Answers to Your Questions
What should you do before driving in bad weather?
Before any journey in adverse weather, check your vehicle thoroughly. This includes tyres, lights, and fluid levels like antifreeze and screen wash. It is also smart to check the latest weather forecasts and traffic updates before you leave. Plan your route, allow extra time, and let someone know your travel plans.
How do you control a skid on an icy road?
If your car begins to skid, the key is to remain calm and avoid slamming on the brakes. You should steer gently in the direction you want the car to go. Ease off the accelerator and shift into neutral until you feel the wheels regain grip.
Is it illegal to drive with snow on your car roof?
Yes, it can be. While there isn’t a specific law against it, you can be stopped by the police if the snow is deemed a potential hazard that could fall off and endanger other road users. According to the official Highway Code, you must remove all snow that might fall off. You must also have obvious windows, mirrors, and lights.
At Pegasus Couriers, career advancement is not just a concept but a reality.
Many of our managers and office staff were once drivers themselves, attesting to the opportunities for growth within our organisation.
The company was founded in 1988 by Martin Smith, an Edinburgh native, and since led to Phil West, a Scottish military veteran from Glasgow, being promoted to Director.
Phil had been a part of the business for eight years before taking over the helm in 2023. With his experience and dedication, Phil has successfully guided Pegasus Couriers to become a prominent player in the courier industry.
Before joining the business, Phil served his country as a medic in the UK Armed Forces, gaining valuable experience around the world. He joined Pegasus Couriers as a driver and quickly climbed the ranks to become a manager, overseeing a team of delivery drivers. Under his leadership, the company expanded to five depots across the UK and continues to grow.
Pegasus Couriers has experienced remarkable growth in recent years thanks to our commitment to providing top-notch delivery service. We now have six strategically located depots and a team of about 500 reliable courier drivers. Our client list includes major eCommerce companies like Amazon and Yodel, which is a testament to the exceptional service we offer.
