Brake Week 2022 – Road Safety in Winter
17 November 2022
Road Safety in Winter
One road accident happens every hour in snow, ice, floods, fog and darkness.
This statistics shows the importance of driving carefully at all times, even more in adverse weather conditions. Take care of yourself and take care of others this winter.
During the winter months, we all have responsibility in ensuring that all drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are kept safe. As changes in the roads, shorter days and weather are more prominent, here are ways YOU can keep yourself and others safe during this time.
Pedestrians
- Wear reflective or bright-coloured clothing so other road users can see you when it’s dark or visibility is poor.
- Be sure to notify others when you are walking late at night, notify them where and when.
- Be sure to be extra vigilant when approaching crossings, vehicles can take up to 10x longer to stop on slippery roads.
- Stick to pedestrian crossings.
- Don’t cross the road between parked vehicles, unless it can’t be avoided then take extra care when crossing.
- If there is no pavement, keep to the right hand side of the road so you can see traffic coming towards you.
- Be as light as possible – avoid carrying things that could make you lose your balance while walking.
Cyclists
- Wear clothes that help you be seen on your bike, such as bright and light reflective items.
- Ensure that you have lights on the front and rear of your bicycle.
- Be mindful of the conditions when cycling – especially in the snow and ice.
- Pay attention to road signs, markings and particularly red lights.
- Wear warm and thicker clothing.
- Be mindful of the effects poor weather can have on other road users.
Drivers
- Preparation for winter – check that your tyres, brakes, windscreens, wiper blades and windows are free from defects and clean.
- Make sure there is no snow and ice on your windows before you drive.
- De-mist your windscreen fully before starting your journey.
- When the roads are icy, drive at a slow speed in a high gear.
- Consider the conditions – be mindful of other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
- Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles.
- Keeping a greater distance between yourself and the vehicle in front, (increase the 2 second rule to 4 seconds or even more).
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.