Several parts of the UK have been hit with snow and icy conditions so far this winter – and more is to come. The country is set to be battered with even more storms, including the 'Beast from the East' blizzard.
Because of this, it's important you know what to do if you have to get out on the roads. Due to the wet and icy conditions, a driving instructor has urged people to remind themselves of Highway Code Rules. These include how far you need to stay behind the car in front of you when driving.
Driving instructor Annie informed her 1.2 million TikTok followers about how much you need to adjust to the car in front of you when getting out in freezing cold weather.
In her short video, she said: "When you're driving on an icy road, how much gap should you leave between your car and the car in front of you?"
She then reminded viewers that the Highway Code recommends leaving a two second gap between you and the car in front of you during dry road conditions. However, if the road is wet, this should be doubled to four seconds, since it will take you longer to stop if needed.
Annie added: "When it's icy, it's going to take you ages to stop. In fact, you shouldn't go out if you don't have to go out.
"When it's icy, you're going to leave a 20 second gap. That two is going to be ten times, so it's up to a 20 second gap between your car and the car in front of you when it's icy."
If you're studying for or have already taken your driving test, this will be stated as adding a ten times longer gap between you and surrounding cars during icy conditions.
The expert concluded: "Remember, if you don't need to go out on icy roads, then don't, it's pretty dangerous. But if you do need to go out, make sure you fully clear your windows, your lights, your mirrors, your roof, your bonnet, clear your car of snow."
Annie also urged drivers to fully clear all windows, lights, mirrors, roofs and bonnets of any ice or snow. Your whole car should be free of frost before you get behind the wheel – or it could lead to hefty fines and even accidents.
She added: "Remember, the snow can fly off the roof or the bonnet of your car onto your windscreen or onto somebody else's car, or onto somebody else."
The Highway Code tells drivers to check local weather conditions before getting out on the roads. It also urges them to stay off icy or snowy routes unless travel is essential. If you do, make sure to drive carefully, and stick to the main roads.
Guidance recommends allocating more time for your journey in case of delays, including adverse road conditions. You should also make sure to keep an emergency kit in your car, consisting of a de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel. A warm drink and emergency food are also advisable in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
Rule 229 of the Highway Code also explains that drivers must clear off any snow and ice of their car and make sure their windows and number plates are free of snow and ice.
So there you have it – be safe when heading out on the road this winter.