Get to grips with winter driving, says DriveSafe

DriveSafe, Greater Manchester’s Casualty Reduction Partnership's logo

With weather experts warning that for the third consecutive year a colder winter lies ahead, and an above average risk of snow, DriveSafe, Greater Manchester’s Casualty Reduction Partnership, is offering motorists tips and advice on how to travel safely.

Karen Delaney, communications manager at DriveSafe, Greater Manchester’s Casualty Reduction Partnership, said: “Car journeys are more challenging in winter months and pose a genuine hazard to all road users, which is why we’re urging motorists to take a few simple precautions that will drastically improve their safety on the road.

“Tyres and brakes are the most important parts of any vehicle as they affect steering, accelerating and braking which is why, especially in winter months, it’s imperative that motorists are doing regular checks. If drivers are unsure about the legal guidelines or find a problem with their tyres or any other part of their vehicle, we urge them to seek expert advice.”

To prepare for the upcoming cold-snap, drivers should plan ahead and do some basic maintenance checks on their vehicles:

• Tyres need to have the correct pressures and a minimum depth tread of 1.6mm. One easy method to check is by placing a 20p coin into the main grooves of the tyre and if the outer rim of the coin is covered by the tread, the tread depth is safe and legal.
• Engine radiators should be topped up with a 50-50 mix of antifreeze in order for it to properly cool the necessary parts
• Brakes need to be checked to make sure they are not worn. Stopping distance increase up to ten times the normal amount in wintery conditions so it is vital that brakes to respond
• Lights need to be fully operational so that other road users can clearly see them in all weather conditions.
• Window wipers need to be clean and able to wipe away excess moisture and debris from the road surface and general weather
• On a continual basis throughout the winter months, drivers should factor in extra preparation time for each journey to ensure that their vehicles are fit for the road.