SNOW: Some handy driving tips for motorists in the ice (From News Shopper)

SNOW: Some handy driving tips for motorists in the ice

3:23pm Tuesday 22nd December 2009 in

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After a tricky few days of snow, ice and freezing temperatures, reporter DAN KEEL spoke to emergency and breakdown services about how to survive life on the roads.

THIS month's treacherous weather has led to more than 200 motorists sleeping in their cars overnight on the M20 and M2, while the AA recorded its highest number of night-time breakdown recoveries for 25 years.

Patrollers were called out to more than 16,000 breakdowns on Monday (Dec 21) - 10,000 more than a normal day in December - with 6,000 of these taking place at night.

During the last few days drivers have been forced to abandon their trapped or crashed vehicles in snow which has reached depths of 30cm in some parts of north Kent and south-east London.

News Shopper got in touch with the AA breakdown service for some handy tips on how to stay safe on the roads.

"It's carnage out there in the snow and ice", said a spokesman.

"On December 18, the insurance broker's claims department handled 100 claims for snow and ice related crashes before lunch.

"Many accidents will be very familiar – hitting other vehicles either in a tail-end shunt - the most common type of claim - or hitting other moving vehicles on bends, junctions and roundabouts.

"Many people decided to stay put and not risk taking their car out. But after a snow fall, out-of-control drivers can end up bouncing off cars parked at the roadside."

He added: "Your car might not even be safe if it's parked on your own drive – two customers had their cars hit by an out-of-control vehicle, one being struck so violently that it pushed his car through his own garage door."

Meanwhile a Kent police spokesman advised: "Although the gritters work through the night, many areas stay icy.

"Allow significantly extra time for your journey and make sure you have spare warm clothing,and food and drink supplies in your vehicle."

"Pedestrians should also take great care as conditions can be treacherous underfoot where fresh snow is settling on the ice.

"If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours please check on them to make sure they are OK."

DRIVING IN THE SNOW

- Select second gear when pulling away - easing your foot off the clutch gently

- Try to maintain a constant speed

- Avoid gear changes on hills by choosing the most suitable gear in advance

- Choose third or fourth gear when driving downhill

- Always apply your brakes gently

- If the car skids, release the brakes and de-clutch

- Slow down on corners where the risk of losing control is greatest

Source: breakdowncover.co.uk

BEFORE YOUR JOURNEY

- Ask yourself - is my journey really necessary?

- Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive

- Make sure your car is well-maintained

- Plan your route carefully - Check the latest weather forecast

- Keep a full petrol tank (during a bad snow storm it may be necessary to turn back or change routes)

- Keep your windows clear

- Keep an ice-scraper handy, and use the car defroster or a cloth to keep the windows mist free

Source: breakdowncover.co.uk

MAKE SURE YOU PACK THE FOLLOWING

- Ice scraper and de-icer

- Torch and spare batteries

- Warm clothes and a blanket

- Boots

- First aid kit

- Jump leads

- Food and a warm drink in a flask

- A shovel

- Reflective warning sign

- Sunglasses – the glare off snow can be dazzling

Source: highways.gov.uk