Driving on snow: safety rules, tips, and advice
DRIVING ON SNOW - To drive safely on snow, discover the safety rules to follow, as well as our tips to make your driving more peaceful.
If you have to take to the road during a snowy episode, discover our practical sheet now on the behavior to adopt on snow, as well as on the recommended equipment in snowy weather. What are the rules of the Highway Code to observe on snow? How should you drive? What speed to adopt? Should the ESP be deactivated in the event of snow? Follow our advice to limit the risks while driving on snow and avoid scares on the road.
Driving on snow: driving tips and tricks
Adopt a smooth ride.
Avoid sharp acceleration, unwanted overtaking, and violent braking. Even equipped, the vehicle must be driven smoothly. This will be all the more the case if you do not have snow tires. In all cases, it is imperative to reduce your speed. Accelerate in moderation and avoid sudden jerks and misdirection.
Ride slowly and allow more time for your trip.
It is important to adhere to lower speed limits when the road is snowy, icy, or plain wet. The speed limits will therefore be 80 km / h outside built-up areas (against 90 km / h usually), 100 km / h on ring roads and expressways (against 110 km / h), and 110 km / h on highways (instead of the speed of 130 km / h).
Increase the safety distances.
When driving conditions are bad, it is essential to realize that the vehicle will take longer to stop. If visibility is poor, the distance between two vehicles should not be less than 50 meters. Remember: with snow, the distances can be two to three times longer than on a dry road. Anticipate the braking of vehicles in front of you, and do not hesitate to downshift to make maximum use of the engine braking.
Anticipate.
Like on two-wheelers, look straight ahead. Try to identify potentially dangerous areas to avoid delicate situations. Also, beware of areas of braking and deceleration such as bends, descents, roundabouts. Nervous driving will be the best way to lose control of your vehicle.
Watch out for others, especially two-wheelers.
The brightness is not always there, and the night falls earlier than the rest of the year; you have to pay more attention to your surroundings. Bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, pedestrians ... These vulnerable users are not always visible on the road, and driving on snow makes them even more vulnerable. Pay extra attention. When your visibility is less than 50 meters, do not exceed 50 km / h, and remember to switch on your dipped headlights if necessary.
More than ever, no smartphone.
There are many pitfalls when the weather conditions are bad, stay focused and reduce sources of inattention. Put your smartphone away from your hand!
Take the main accesses.
Even if it means making a few detours, it is better to favor the main axes and the main roads. You are more likely to be transparent and acceptable. Observe detours and restricted access. Don't venture off the beaten track!
Exit from the parking lot: beware of danger!
Do you want to get out of a parking space or a garage, but your car is slipping? Do not hesitate to start in seconds to limit the engine torque and ensure a smooth start.
Very soft on the pedal.
At each acceleration and start, do it smoothly, play with the clutch, then anticipate the change to 2nd gear to limit the engine torque. It is often with too high an engine speed that the skidding due to a grip loss occurs.
No sudden braking.
If you can feel your vehicle skidding, do not break suddenly. Any strong pressure on the brake pedal will make the skidding worse. On the contrary, disengage and counter-steer if the vehicle gets in the way. For example, if your vehicle is heading to the right, steer left with your gaze far ahead in the direction you want to go.
Driving on snow: recommended equipment
• The first tip would be to equip your vehicle with snow tires. Of course, the investment can be significant, but your vehicle will be much better provided. The braking distance will be considerably shortened, and the grip will be better. In this case, it is imperative to equip all four wheels to guarantee good traction of your car and its good balance.
• The squeegee, of course, defrosts your windshield and your mirrors. Seeing well is the best way to ensure your safety
• Gloves and torches nearby. Better to be equipped in case of a problem. Do not hesitate to bring these items of equipment to leave in your vehicle.
Driving on snow: the rules and the Highway Code
• Do not wait to be blocked to give up continuing your journey. Observe the traffic instructions of the authorities. On the motorway or bypass, do not park in the emergency lane; stay in the right lane.
• Respect the intervention vehicles, spreaders, snowplows, and intervention agents. It is quite simply a question of respecting the Highway Code: "When, on the roadway, at least one traffic lane is covered with snow or ice on all or part of its surface: winter service vehicles in action on the roadway is prohibited for all vehicles ". In case of non-compliance, know that you will be punished with a fourth class fine and even have your driver's license suspended for a period of three or more.
• Understand the different driving conditions. Official messages may vary depending on conditions. Here is how to understand them well: 1) Tricky driving conditions: You must be vigilant, the presence of ice or light snow but making the roads potentially dangerous. 2) Difficult driving conditions: Delay your trip, the presence of general ice or snow can block road traffic. 3) Impossible driving conditions: Do not take the wheel; the terrible weather conditions make driving impossible.
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