We spoke with our personal injury team to understand what we can do to prevent winter car accidents.
As the winter season creeps closer, it’s time we started thinking about snow, ice and poor weather conditions.
Poor weather conditions exacerbate the risks of winter car accidents. It is estimated that 21% of all crashes in the UK from December to March are linked to poor weather conditions. Rushing on the school run, failing to clear windscreens effectively and poor vehicle maintenance can all add up to serious consequences.
This page will help keep yourself and others safe during the winter months.
Vehicle maintenance
Keeping your vehicle properly maintained should be at the top of your priority list this winter.
- Clear snow and ice from your vehicle. While it’s not illegal to drive with snow and ice on your vehicle, it is dangerous for you and other road users. Make sure you can see clearly through all windows and ensure no snow or ice is left on the car roof.
- Check tyre tread depth and pressure. Ensure the tread depth of all tyres is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre. It should stay above this depth across the entire circumference. In the winter months, it is also important to pay particular attention to tyre pressure. Tyre pressure should be 0.2 bar above summer tyre pressure.
- Ensure lights are working properly. If your lights are not working properly, you run the risk of other road users not being able to see you. If they are on the wrong setting, you run the risk of dazzling other drivers. Checking lights is easy and can be done by simply walking round to the front and back of the vehicle and checking both lights are on.
- Check wiper blades. Most blades are only good for around 6 months. Well-used blades will not be able to clear precipitation effectively which can prove very dangerous with falling snow.
- Change your car oil. Cold weather conditions thicken the oil and reduce its ability to run through the engine. Regularly check your oil and, if it is looking too thick, replace it.
- Store an emergency kit in the car. Regardless of how prepared you are, sometimes winter car accidents happen. Storing an emergency kit in your car will help you prepare for the worst. Include a blanket, high vis vest, torch, extra clothes, ice scrapers, de-icer, a first aid kit and some food.
Driving tips
Driving in winter can be challenging for even the most experienced drivers. Only drive if you absolutely have to and follow these tips.
- Plan your journey. Before you set off, make sure to check a map and look at the local weather forecast. It may be wise to avoid areas prone to flooding or ones with a steep ascent or descent.
- Allow extra journey time. It is important to drive slowly around corners and avoid quick and sudden movements. Accelerate gently and use low gears. Giving yourself extra journey time will stop you from rushing and allow a smoother and more controlled drive.
- Keep a safe distance from the car in front. Braking on ice and snow takes much longer than in dry conditions. You should leave 10 times the normally recommended distance between your car and the one in front.
- Check the Highway Code. For more information on driving in hazardous conditions, check the Highway Code.
Contact us today
Unfortunately, we are often at the mercy of the weather and it’s not always possible to avoid winter car accidents when bad conditions and busy roads are combined. If you have been or are ever involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, we can help you.
Whether that’s claiming for injuries, loss of earnings, or damage to your vehicle, our experienced car accident solicitors will work to get you the outcome you deserve. For your own peace of mind, we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Call us on 0161 969 3131 or fill in our contact form and one of the team will be in touch.