With parts of the UK expected to receive up to 25cm of snow this week, motorists have been warned of a costly driving mistake.
The Met Office issued amber and yellow alerts for snow and ice in parts of northern England and north Wales on Thursday. Up to 25cm of snow is forecast in the Peak District and South Pennines, with a warning in place from midday to 6pm There is a separate warning for snow and ice between 8am and 3pm in North Wales and Shropshire .
With temperatures dropping and roads icy, morning drivers will encounter icy windshields that will reduce visibility. Those in a hurry can do the bare minimum to clean their windshields before setting off.
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But the minimum could result in a fine and three points on licences, and Northern Ireland’s Highway Policing Unit has reminded drivers of the risks. Frozen windshields should not only be completely cleaned, but should also be free of condensation.
The force wrote on Facebook: “Please ensure your windows are free of condensation, ice, snow or anything else that will affect your ability to see the road ahead BEFORE you begin your journey.” They singled out a driver stopped for not allowing enough time to clean the window, saying he had received three points and a £65 fine.
Weather warnings
The Met Office said an amber warning meant travel delays were likely on the roads, while public transport vehicles and cars could be stranded. Power outages are also possible and delays to rail and air travel are likely, with rural communities having a “good chance” of being temporarily isolated.
In the area covered by the snow and ice warning, the Met Office said untreated sidewalks and cycle paths could be impassable.
Yellow warnings are also in place from 6am Thursday until 6pm Friday for potentially disruptive snow in North Wales, Northern England and the Midlands, as well as Northern Ireland from 10am Thursday until 6pm. pm on Friday, although disruptions here are expected to be greater. more localized.
Tips for driving on icy roads in the UK
With snow comes ice, and driving on icy roads can be tricky and full of potential dangers. Freezing temperatures can cause ice to linger and make driving potentially dangerous.
It may seem obvious but you should check weather reports in advance of your trip, so you’ll have time to prepare, especially if you’re driving first thing in the morning. Ought allow enough time to prepare your vehicle to drive, which means an earlier wake-up alarm may be necessary.
If travel is necessary, make sure your the phone is fully charged in case of breakdowns or accidents, although it’s a good idea to make sure your vehicle is equipped with a phone charger, a bottle of water, snacks and a warm blanket. Take enough time to allow the car windows and mirrors to be completely free of ice and condensation.
Once on the road, try and Stay on main, sandy roads and keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards. forward. It goes without saying that you should slow down on icy roads and try to turn, accelerate and brake as gently as possible to avoid skidding. Higher gears are better for gripping ice.
Braking distances on icy roads are greatly increased and you must Leave as much distance as possible between you and the car in front. – up to 10 times the normal distance, depending on the RAC. If you start to skid, keep the steering wheel straight and maintain speed without stepping on the brake.
Try to turn gently in the direction your car is skidding and use the gears to slow down. The most important thing is to keep your hands on the wheel and not brake hard.
Chris Wood, of the AA, said: “If you need to travel, slow down to take account of the conditions and leave enough space behind other vehicles, and try to use main roads where possible as they are more likely to have been paved”. .
“Allow for extra time, as your trip is likely to take longer than usual, and make sure you have enough fuel or electric charging if you drive an electric vehicle (EV).
“The cold snap is likely to affect vehicle breakdown levels, with failures such as dead batteries and windshield wiper failures.”
