Now it’s the new year and everyone is getting back into the routine of work and school, make sure you’re travelling safely on the roads. Especially with the winter weather making an appearance, it is important to prepare for any type of weather. Whether you’re cycling on the road, walking or in a car, there are a variety of ways to travel safely this winter. Aspects such as appropriate clothing, vigilant driving and being well organised, all help in ensuring you to have a safe journey. Much of what we do is dictated by the weather, so be prepared and having a safe journey will follow.
Driving
During colder weather it is important that everyone adjusts to the changes outside, but drivers in particular must adapt their driving styles to be safe. Thanks to icy roads, snow and rain to name but a few, drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicle or get into accidents with other drivers. With this in mind, there are driving adjustments that can be made to ensure a safe journey. One of these adjustments is; when using the brakes and acceleration ease onto the pedals, avoid any sharp or abrupt pressure. Particularly on icy roads, breaking sharply can increase the chances of skidding and sliding on the roads. Similarly, break slowly before corners as to not lose control when turning. Drivers can also stop further away from the vehicle in front then they usually would do when driving. This is incase there is any sliding of the wheels on ice or other issues that appear when driving. So ideally for driving in ice and snow it is best to keep a safe distance between those around you at all times. Major roads will most likely be the first to be gritted in cold weather so be sure to head for them when planning your journey. This will increase your chances of a safe drive and assure you that the road is clear of ice. Simple differences in driving styles can prove to be a huge factor when driving in winter weather and make travelling safely more apparent.
Be Prepared
Whether you are in a car or on a bike being well prepared is a necessity in the winter season. Unpredictable weather and dangerous road conditions make it important to be organised and ready for any situation. This is why keeping your vehicle organised and well prepared is one way to travel safely on the roads. In the case of icy weather, store some antifreeze inside your vehicle. This is so that during a cold day or night, if your car windows freeze then you have an easy and accessible way to get your car ready to drive. Similarly, purchase an ice scraper to scrape ice from the windows of your car so that your vision is not impaired when driving. If you are a cyclist, make sure your bike is fitted with reflectors so that motorists and pedestrians can spot you and are aware of your presence on the road. There are even helmets with attached lights available, providing more illumination and signalling your position to drivers. In winter weather it is particularly important to ensure that your bike it well maintained with pumped up tires and well oiled chains. Pack a small kit with you that has you prepared for any type of possible bike malfunction like a flat tire. This is in case of an emergency, you don’t want to be stranded outside in the cold while you wait some someone to pick you up. Keeping your form of transportation well equipped and ready for any situation is vital when travelling in the winter weather.
Clothing
If cycling, make sure you wear sufficient clothing suitable to the weather. Invest in a windproof jacket and gloves so that the icy air won’t feel as intense when cycling at speeds. Even if its not cold in the morning, take warm clothing so that if it’s colder at night you are already prepared. It’s the same if you are walking, take waterproof clothes in case there is a chance of rain and wrap up to survive the cold. Wearing layers will ensure you are comfortable when walking and keep you warm despite being in cold weather. Wear bright colours somewhere on your body so that in darkness you can still be easily spotted by cyclists and drivers alike. Similarly, make sure that some of the clothing you wear has reflectors designed into the material, this will allow anyone on the roads to spot you and keep you safe. One of the most important items of clothing to wear whilst walking is shoes. As you will be on your feet for a while outside, make sure the soles of your shoes are protected and will keep your feet well insulated. Nothing is worse than having to walk home in cold weather with your feet freezing and wet. In icy weather and snow, take smaller steps so that the chances of you slipping or falling are lessened. As you can see, clothing is an important part of travelling safely on the roads in winter, so you need to make sure that you are wearing the correct clothes to face the cold weather.
As you can see it is highly important to stay vigilant and prepared on the roads during winter, as it is very easy to lose control or go unseen by others on the road. By maintaining your form of transport, wearing the correct clothing or adjusting your way of driving to suit the weather, you are increasing your ability to travel safely on the roads. UK weather in particular is incredibly unpredictable, so regardless of whether you are in a car, on a bike or simply walking keep in mind that the weather is a significant aspect in deciding how your journey goes. This is why being prepared is crucial to travelling safely on the roads.