FOLLOWING the heaviest snowfall in 18 years – and with more to come – Europcar has just revealed some handy tips for staying on the straight and narrow.
Some things are a bit obvious – others not so.
*Allow plenty of time for journeys and make sure you have a full tank of petrol before starting off – just in case you need to take a more circuitous route.
*If it’s before 8am or after 3.30pm before starting the engine and moving off, make sure your eyes have become accustomed to the dark
*Make sure all the windows are clear of snow, properly de-iced and de-misted before you set out
*Remember your sunglasses to avoid glare from the low winter sun
*Be aware of black ice – most commonly found in areas that are shadowed from sun
*Twilight is a particularly hazardous time for driving, so take extra care
*Don’t hit the brakes if your car starts to skid, ease back on the accelerator and try to steer the car in the direction of the skid
*If you get stuck, clear snow from around the wheels to give the car a chance to grip on the road. Try using a bit of old carpet to give better traction
*Watch out for fog and use fog lights, but remember to switch them off again when they are no longer needed
*Allow for a greater braking distance
*Watch your speed and remember that cyclists and pedestrians will be less visible
*Be prepared to cancel a journey. Listen out for weather warnings and act appropriately
*Don’t be afraid to turn back – if things start to look dicey, a trip can most likely be postponed
*Be aware of the danger of getting stranded – especially if you are heading somewhere remote. Take warm clothing and consider stopping at a hotel for the night rather than pressing on
*If your own vehicle is struggling with the weather, consider hiring a car instead. This will ensure the car is fully maintained, safe, reliable and covered by 24 hour roadside assistance
*Ensure the windscreen washer is topped up
*Always keep a bottle of water and food, such as chocolate just in case you breakdown
Any more ideas, send me a comment.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 2nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.