Road Safety Tips for Winters

Winter is Coming.

No. I am not talking of the ominous prophecy from the Game of Thrones.

I am talking of the winter season that is now upon us. Unfortunately, winter is just as ominous when it comes to road safety. Each winter we lose countless lives in crashes caused due to fog or wet roads. Road crashes in affected areas also tend to escalate by up to 20% during winter months.

Thankfully, such crashes can be prevented through simple steps. Here are some winter road safety tips:

Safety tips before going on a winter drive

As they say, “Safety begins at home”. Most winter road safety issues can be solved even before you go on the road. Here are some safety checks to be done before you leave:

Check your tyres

As I have discussed in my detailed article on Tyre Safety, tyres are one of the most important, and often neglected vehicle components. Maintaining adequate tyre pressure and grip is critical in winter conditions. There are two main things to check in your tyres:

• Tyre Pressure: Inadequate tyre pressure leads to a tyre burst. It is recommended to slightly overinflate the tyres in winter as tyre pressure drops in cold weather.
• Tyre tread: Tyre grip is extremely important in areas with heavy snow or fog/dew. Try to have at least 2.5mm to 3mm of tread depth. Wrap your tyres with snow chains for additional grip if you plan to drive on snowy surfaces.

Check the fluids

Cold weather, especially if the temperature is sub-zero, increases the viscosity of all vehicle fluids i.e., washer liquid, engine oil, brake oil, coolant, etc. Always check the fluid level and condition before any drive. Top up or replace any fluid to prevent any sudden failure. Consider mixing antifreeze with washer fluid to prevent freezing.

Check the battery

Batteries drain quickly in cold weather. This is extremely important for electric vehicles as the battery range drops considerably in cold weather. You may need to charge the battery more than usual during winter. Maintain adequate battery level and replace the battery if required. It is also advisable to carry a jump-start kit for emergencies.

Check the lights and other electricals.

Vehicle lights become extra important in winter foggy conditions. You do not want to drive blindly with minimal visibility. Check the working of all lights, especially the fog lamps. Also, check if the wipers are working properly.

Checks for two-wheelers

Two-wheelers are equally susceptible to winter problems such as water condensation in the exhaust or fuel tank and oil drying up. Make sure all systems and linkages are working smoothly before you go on a ride. You can also consider using some additional reflective tapes or warning lights to improve visibility in winter.

Safety tips on the road

Once you have ensured that your vehicle is ready, here are some winter road safety tips to follow while on the road:

Go Slow and Keep your distance

The hallmark of a Defensive Driver is to be alert to all situations and plan accordingly. The foggy weather and wet conditions commonly seen in winter can greatly reduce your ability to perceive any dangerous condition and stop safely. It is always recommended to drive slowly and cautiously in winter conditions. I would not recommend going above 40-50kmph even on highways.

In addition, always maintain an adequate distance from the vehicle ahead and stay alert to any sudden stopping. Try not to be distracted.

Do not use features such as cruise control in such conditions. Always remain in control of your vehicle.

I would not recommend driving in extremely foggy conditions seen early in the morning. It is not worth the risk.

Use your vehicle’s fog lamps

A common mistake many people make is that they do not use their fog lamps in the winter! Remember that the fog lamps’ sole purpose is to provide a further sight distance in fog and rain. Do not turn them OFF!

Rear fog lamps are equally important as they improve your visibility to following vehicles. Unfortunately, some manufacturers do not provide rear fog lamps in all vehicles and sell them as accessories. Consider getting retrofitted rear fog lamps if your vehicle does not have them.

Do not use High Beams or Halogen Lamps

It is a common misconception that high beams and halogen lamps give higher visibility in a fog. However, the opposite happens in reality. High beams have a higher chance of getting reflected back to your eyes in fog or rain. This reflection reduces your visibility and may even partially blind you!

Stick to low beams and fog lamps while driving in a fog.

Winter-ready clothing for two-wheelers.

If you plan to go on a two-wheeler rider, be it a bicycle or motorcycle, ensure that you are properly dressed for it. Going unprepared can make the ride uncomfortable and may eventually cause us to lose focus. Consider additional layers of clothing, riding gloves, and shoes for winter rides. Wearing reflective jackets is also recommended to increase your visibility to other road users in the dark, winter conditions.

Pedestrian safety tips

Foggy conditions can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians walking along the road. Keep your distance from the road and always use pedestrian footpaths, underpasses or overhead crossings wherever available. Walk while facing the traffic in areas without any footpaths. Also, consider wearing bright clothes or even reflective jackets to increase your visibility to other road users.

Handling Emergencies

Vehicle breakdowns are common in winter and can never be ruled out. Here are some safety tips if you face an emergency breakdown in foggy conditions and have to wait for help to arrive:

1. Move the vehicle as far away from the road as possible. Park the vehicle in an unpaved area.
2. Turn on the vehicle’s emergency warning lights. You can also consider carrying additional signalling devices.
3. Place the emergency triangle at a considerable distance (around 20m) behind the vehicle. Buy an emergency triangle if you don’t have one. Additional reflective traffic safety cones can also be considered.
4. Wear reflective jackets while you are on the road. Stand as far away from the road as possible.
5. It is also recommended to keep some distance between yourself and your vehicle. Do not stand ahead or behind your vehicle. This will keep you safe in case an errant vehicle accidentally hits your vehicle. Many people get injured because they stand too close to their vehicles in a pile-up.

Winter drives can be tough yet rewarding

Travelling in winter has its additional risks. However, winter drives are also fun and provide a whole new experience.

Winter travelling can be made much safer just by taking some additional steps and being prepared. Just remember to follow the winter road safety tips discussed above to have an enjoyable and safe drive.

Last Updated on December 26, 2022 by RSG