Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging motorists to ensure they – and their vehicles – are ready for the potential challenges of driving in winter.
Safer driving in rain and flood
What’s the maximum depth of water that can be driven through safely? Driving through any depth of water can be dangerous. Even just six inches – or 15cm of water – will reach the bottom of most passenger cars. Above this depth drivers can lose control or stall the engine because water can be sucked into the exhaust or washed into the air intake.
How can I reduce the risk of stalling?
If you are driving a manual car, press the clutch down slightly at the same time as pressing the accelerator. This will help the car move along slowly and should keep water out of the exhaust pipe. Stay in the same gear throughout the flood. In an automatic car, you can consider keeping your foot on the accelerator while using your lowest gear, but control the speed with your footbrake.
What if I stall in a flood?
Don’t attempt to restart the engine as you will risk severe damage. You’ll need to remove the injectors or plugs to get rid of any water – so the best thing to do is to get out of your vehicle and wade to higher ground, especially if the water is rising. Then, if you’re a GEM member, call us when it’s safe – if you’re not, then call your own breakdown recovery provider. You’ll need to make sure your brakes are effective – dry them by applying them gently and take it easy for a few miles after the flood.
SAFER DRIVING IN FOG What is fog?
Fog is a thick wet mist that either rolls in from the sea or radiates up from the ground. Fog forms when the temperature drops to the point at which air is saturated, and invisible water vapour in the air condenses to form suspended water droplets.
Why is driving through fog dangerous?
Primarily because you can see so little. Go slowly, use dipped headlights and fog lights, but remember to switch the fogs off when visibility improves.
Is there anything I can do to continue driving safely when the fog is really thick?
Quite possibly not. You can wind down the window, in an attempt to hear what you may not be able to see, but there’s no magic way for gaining visibility. Should I use the rear lights of the vehicle in front or the centre white line of the road as reference points? No. It’s dangerous to follow the lights of the vehicle in front as you may well allow yourself to get too close, meaning you might not have enough space to stop suddenly. You can follow the edge of the road as a reference point, but not the centre.
If I see another car without lights, should I take the number plate and report the driver?
We advise that you focus on keeping yourself and your passengers safe.
SAFER DRIVING WHEN BLACK ICE THREATENS Why is it called ‘black’ ice?
Largely because it blends in very well (too well, in fact) with the road environment. Black ice is actually clear and colourless but it is invisible above the dark tarmac of the road.
How will I know if I’m driving on black ice?
Your steering will feel light, you won’t see tyre tracks on the road ahead, and there will be next to no noise from your tyres.
If I can’t see it, how can I look out for black ice?
Pay attention to your car thermometer. Black ice forms when the road surface temperature falls to 0 degrees Celsius or below. But road surface temperature is usually three to four degrees lower than air temperature. That’s why you may get an audible cold weather warning when your car thermometer shows three or four degrees.
When and in what locations is black ice most likely to form?
The most likely times for the forming of black ice are around dawn and in the late evening, when temperatures are usually at their lowest. The most common locations for black ice are shaded or treecovered parts of roads, due to the lack of sunlight. Bridges freeze quickly so be particularly careful.
What should I do if I realise I’m on black ice?
Stay calm and let your car pass over the back ice. Gently lift your foot off the accelerator. Don’t hit the brakes and be very gentle with your steering. If you feel the car is starting to slide, don’t attempt to overcorrect. Remember that on ice your car will have no traction.
SAFER DRIVING IN SNOW What is a safe speed for driving in snow?
Experience shows that it is not your speed that’s the problem, it’s how you lose the speed in order to stop in an emergency, or to negotiate a sharp bend, or pull up safely at a junction. If there is snow on the road, your braking distance will be vastly increased compared to what you’re used to on a dry road. The faster you go, the more distance you will need to stop safely. Be sure to maintain a risk assessment. If it’s actually snowing and settling, then you must slow right down. Try to maintain momentum by anticipating when you’ll need to slow down and speed up.
How can I expect my rear-wheel drive car to behave on snow?
It may well accelerate poorly, I’m afraid. Front wheel drive cars will be much better at pulling off in conditions of low traction.
What are the best roads to use when it’s snowing?
It may sound unhelpful, but the best advice is not to drive at all if you don’t need to. Gentle hills can become impassable, and even busy motorways can quickly turn into car parks during a snowfall.
What emergency equipment should I take if I have to drive in snow?
Take a hot drink flask, snacks, a blanket, rug or sleeping bag to ensure you can stay warm if you get stuck. If you need to leave your vehicle, then it’s a good idea to ensure you have boots, a warm coat and reflective jacket with you.