Winter Driving
Advice for a Safe Journey
Bath and North East Somerset Council, as a Highway Authority,
has a duty to keep the highway network in a condition which allows
the safe passage of people and goods.
This page offers winter driving tips and safety advice to help
you stay safe during icy conditions.
Driving Tips
- Keep up-to-date - local radio is an excellent way to stay in
touch with road and weather conditions
- Sunglasses are not only for summer! - low winter sunshine
reflecting off snow or wet, treated roads can be blinding, so wear
sunglasses to reduce the effect of glare
- Frozen door locks - a key warmed by a match or lighter can
help. Try other doors of even the boot
- Park with the rear of the car facing into the wind to prevent
drifting snow or chill winds penetrating your engine bay and
shorting the electrics.
- Abandoned vehicles - stay with your vehicle if you breakdown.
It is much easier to provide assistance if you remain with your
vehicle.
Safety Advice
We are not able to salt every road in the district and winter
weather conditions can make all roads hazardous. (Gritting
Routes)
Please remember to drive according to the conditions. You need
time to react safely to icy roads.
- Cut your speed, don't brake suddenly, drop down a gear to let
your engine help with the braking
- Anticipate possible problems ahead
- Give yourself time to take remedial action by travelling more
slowly than usual
- Drive with reasonable care to accord with the road
conditions
Remember to Check:
- Your tyre pressures are at the recommended level and that the
tread depth is correct.
- Don't forget to check your spare.
- Your vehicle's lights are clean and in working order
- The wiper system is working effectively
- The washer bottles are full and contain a suitable additive to
prevent freezing
- Your battery is fully charged and in good condition
- Your anti-freeze is topped up - your garage can do this for
you.
