Snow warning issued to drivers as common mistake could result in £1,000 fine
Scots are being braced for a cold snap that could potentially bring some snow and ice over the coming days. These freezing conditions can wreak havoc on the roads, and drivers are urged to be extra vigilant.
But apparently, motorists are not doing enough to be safe behind the wheel when the temperatures drop.
27 million UK drivers don’t reduce their speed when driving in icy conditions, despite the danger it poses. New research has revealed less than half (47 percent) of British drivers slow down whilst driving in these conditions, even though almost one in 10 (nine percent) have had an accident.
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Simon Waye, technical engineer at ATS Euromaster, has issued a stark warning to anyone who plans to drive in the snow - reminding motorists they could be fined a hefty £1,000 if they're caught breaking one rule.
Driving in bad weather can mean your windows are likely to quickly steam up due to the contrast in temperatures.
And a foggy windscreen or windows can make it much harder to see other road users or pedestrians, even when it's daylight outside.
So make sure you have your air conditioning on to make sure your visibility isn’t reduced, and you can avoid a fine. Driving with misty windows could get you a £1,000 fine and three points on your license if it causes an accident.
If visibility is seriously reduced due to poor weather, you should use your dipped headlights or fog lights to help you and others.
Failing to use the appropriate dipped lights when you are unable to see for more than 100 metres ahead of you could land you a £50 on-the-spot fine if stopped by police.
Braking and accelerating as smoothly as possible is also important, particularly on ice, in order to reduce the chances of skidding. Avoid any harsh acceleration and to slow down, use gear changes and light touches of the brake to show your brake lights to cars behind you.
And setting off in second gear can help to reduce wheel slip. The Highway Code says to ‘drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible’. When driving downhill however, stay in a low gear and avoid braking unless you need to.
