Driving in winter

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has given few guidelines on how to minimise the accident risks while driving in winter

In order to minimise accident risk, drivers need to fully adapt their driving to the different conditions. Extremes of temperature (even those experienced in the UK) will soon show up any deficiencies both in your vehicle and in your skill as a driver.

The following tips may help you cope better with the various seasonal weather hazards. However, as we all know, many of these conditions can occur at any time of year.

Reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces make winter driving particularly hazardous. Good observation is essential so that you can interpret conditions accurately and adjust your speed accordingly. No matter what the other conditions, if you can't see the road clearly, you will need to reduce your speed so that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear. This is a simple and fundamental principle of defensive driving.

In winter, road surfaces are frequently covered by frost and ice, but often not uniformly. Isolated patches and certain gradients will remain icy when the other parts have thawed. The good driver will therefore be on the lookout for these areas. If you drive too fast on a slippery or wet road surface your tyre grip will be substantially reduced and the risk of skidding increased. Remember - it is better to arrive a little later than not at all!

Smooth control is another essential element of safer winter driving. You should always aim to plan your action early and brake, steer and change gear as smoothly as possible so as not to affect the grip of your tyres on the road surface.

In poor weather especially, better, safer driving is about good preparation, good self-maintenance, good vehicle maintenance, the right knowledge, the right attitude and a thoughtful driving plan.

Prepare your vehicle for winter -

Have your vehicle fully serviced before winter starts and have the anti-freeze tested.

Check that your lights are clean and working. Make sure your battery is fully charged. A faulty battery will let you down, probably at the most inconvenient time - so if in doubt change it before it fails!

Always keep the windscreen and windows clean and the washer bottle filled with screenwash to the correct concentration. This will prevent the solution from freezing.

On the road in snow and ice

Hail, heavy snow and rain all reduce visibility - use dipped headlights. Only travel at a speed which you will be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

Driving in windy conditions is stressful and tiring. RoSPA recommends a stop every two hours, for fresh air and hot drinks - but no alcohol. This is just a general guide - the important thing is that you stop before fatigue steps in, irrespective of how far you have travelled or how long you have been on the road.

Keep your vehicle well ventilated. The car heater full on can quickly make you drowsy.

If you get stuck in a snowdrift

Try to get out of a rut by moving slowly backwards and forwards using the highest gear you can.

Abandoned vehicles can cause problems for rescue vehicles and snowploughs. To ensure that the road is cleared as quickly as possible, you are advised to stay with your vehicle until help arrives. Do not leave your engine running, as this can lead to a dangerous build-up of fumes.

If you have to leave your vehicle to get help make sure you can be seen by other vehicles.

Are you eager to drive?

Do you know you need to pass driving theory test before you can appear for your driving practical test?

If you are preparing for driving theory test for either car or bike -
You can download all official driving theory test questions including new case studies and how to prepare for driving test; driving test free download is also available.

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Safe driving and riding as part of the driving test

From 10 September 2008, if you're sitting a driving test , you will also be assessed on your ability to drive or ride in a way that shows Eco-safe driving techniques.

This assessment is not part of the existing assessment criteria for the practical test and you will not fail your test because you do not demonstrate Eco-safe driving techniques.

The driving examiner will assess control and planning, and at the end of the test will give you feedback, as guidance, on how efficiently you are driving.

Control:

Always try to use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible, with particular attention to:

• starting and moving away
• accelerating
• using gears
• driving at an appropriate speed

This reduces wear and tear on your vehicle and will help in reducing CO2.

Planning:

Reduce harmful emissions by anticipating road traffic conditions and acting in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment, especially:

• Showing hazard awareness and planning
• Making use of engine braking
• Stopping the engine when appropriate
• Tips for eco-safe driving and riding

Follow these tips as a guide to safe driving or riding for economy:

• Check your tyres regularly and keep at recommended pressure
• Do not carry unnecessary weight
• Remove roof-rack or luggage boxes when not needed to reduce air resistance
• Do not exceed speed limits, accelerate gently
• Consider using cruise control where it would be appropriate
• Turn off your engine if you are likely to have a prolonged wait
• Use air conditioning only when you need to
• Plan your route to avoid known congestion points
• Try to travel during off-peak times

Source: Eco safe driving

DSA Driving theory test and Hazard perception test for car and bike learner drivers

Why hazard perception test was introduced?

New drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a driving test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken hazard perception training have much better hazard perception skills.

About hazard perception test -

The hazard perception test tips are online computer-based tips, which measures a driver's ability to anticipate and appropriately respond to potentially dangerous situations while driving. In hazard perception test, you will see video clips of genuine, traffic scenes filmed from the driver's perspective. When you watch the clips, you need to imagine that you are the driver.

In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. You will need to watch the clip carefully and try to predict the traffic hazard as early as you can. As soon as you predict that a traffic hazard is likely to happen, you need to respond straight away. A traffic hazard is something that would require the driver to take some action, for example: slow down, overtake or change course.

The hazard perception test is designed to get the candidate to identify 'Developing Hazards' rather the potential hazards.

E.g School sign is not a developing hazard, but if you see school children about to cross the road, then it becomes a developing hazard and needs to be identified.

While appearing for the hazard perception test, watch out for following hazards, as these are the likely situations where developing hazard may turn in to actual hazard

• pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road
  
• vehicles emerging from side roads, parking places or driveways
  
• vehicles make the road narrow
  
• large vehicles moving over to your side of the road
  
• meeting oncoming vehicles on narrow roads or where other obstructions or slow moving
  
• junctions and roundabouts
  
• loose pets and farmyard animals
  
• Changes in the traffic movement and volume
  
• horse riders
  
• weather conditions of the day
  

How to score in hazard perception test -

Each scoring window is divided into five equal segments and a score of five through to one allocated to each. Those responding in the first segment of the scoring window will score 5 and those in last segment a score of 1. Responses outside the window will score zero.

Scoring in hazard perception test is not difficult at all. But you need to understand the test and practice variety of clips.