Safety Margins: Weather conditions

Stopping distances will be much longer when driving in wet conditions.

Braking distances on ice can be ten times the normal distance.

In windy conditions take extra care when passing cyclists and motorcyclists.

After driving through flood water test your brakes. You should drive slow while gently applying the brakes. This helps them dry.

In very hot weather the road surface can become soft effecting tyre grip and braking.

When driving on a motorway with surface spray use dipped headlights.

Side winds are most dangerous on an open stretch of road.

When driving on snow or ice use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. When approaching a sharp bend in such conditions you should slow down and avoid sudden steering.

If your number plate, windows, lights or mirrors are covered in snow or ice you must clear them before staring a journey.

You can tell you are driving on ice, and black ice, because your tyres make little noise and the steering becomes light.
To correct a skid you should drive into it i.e. if the back of your vehicle slides to the right you should steer to the right.

When driving in fog use dipped headlights, allow more time for your journey, slow down.

In wet conditions your car can aquaplane. This means the tyres have lifted off the surface of the road and are on the surface of the water. If your steering suddenly becomes very light, while driving on a wet road, this is a sign that your are aquaplaning. To correct – ease off the accelerator your tyres will regain grip.