Drivers have been urged to skip one of their gears today if they're driving in heavy snow or on ice, as freezing temperatures increase the risks on the road. With six weather warnings in place across the UK, motorists must exercise caution when driving to avoid accidents. In its ‘travelling in heavy snow and ice’ advice, the Met Office advised drivers on how to approach the road during wintery weather. The forecaster recommends starting in second gear to help with wheel slip.
Starting with the first gear may cause a sudden application of great force to the wheels, resulting in the tyres spinning. On an icy surface, to maximise the friction of the tyres, start gently with a low gear. To start in snow and ice, use second gear instead of first to prevent wheelspin by reducing torque to the wheels. Accelerate gently and drive smoothly in the highest gear possible to keep engine revs low and maintain traction. The Met Office also recommends using dipped headlights, maintaining a steady speed, keeping a safe distance from other cars, using low gears when descending downhill, and avoiding braking unless absolutely necessary. In the event of a skid, the forecaster says to steer into it, not taking your hands off the wheel or slamming on the brakes.
The RAC advises in its guidance on driving in snow and ice to be prepared for every eventuality by ensuring your car is equipped with a demisting pad and a torch (wind-up so you don’t run out of battery).
They also recommend a hi-vis vest to make you visible if you break down, a blanket to keep you warm, some food, a drink, spare screen wash, de-icer, ice scraper, blanket, and shovel.
Also included on the list is a phone charger, a map, a first aid kit, a warning triangle, some jump leads, a spade and a square of carpet that you can use to put under your drive wheels should you get stuck in the snow.
The Met Office has issued five yellow weather warnings and an amber warning for snow and ice for today (November 20). One is for the northeast coast of England (Scottish Borders, Newcastle, Stockton, Hull) between 12am and 12pm.
The second is for the southeast of both Wales and England (Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Pembroke, Swansea, Ceredigion) between 12am and 12pm.
The third is in central and north Scotland (Aberdeen, Inverness, Orkney, Shetland, Moray, Highland) between 6pm and 9pm. The fourth is for Northern Ireland (Derry, Belfast) between 5pm last night and 12pm today.
And the fifth is in place for the east coast and East Anglia (Hull, Skegness, Norwich, Ipswich) between 5pm yesterday and 11am today. There is also an amber warning in effect for Bridlington, Scarborough, Whitby, Guisborough, and Helmsley between 3am and 9pm.
While some places will see little or no lying snow, 2-5cm, hills above 200m elevation could see up to 25cm. Gusty winds and lightning may accompany the showers, as well as a risk of ice accumulation.
