Preparing For Better Winter Driving

Preparing for winter driving should be on every driver's mind as soon as the air starts to turn chilly. Before you know it, familiar roads will be transformed under layers of ice and snow. Slush, sleet, and freezing rain make winter driving a formidable task; it's no wonder that so many people dread the coming of winter. To make sure that you and your vehicle are ready for the change of seasons, you can prepare a little winter car care kit that will keep you safe during this challenging driving time.

A winter kit should consist of a few basic supplies that will protect you against simple emergency situations as well as the routine challenges that come along with winter weather. You can make your winter kit as elaborate as you want. Some climates will require you to have a more extensive kit than others, though the basics will remain the same. Here are some things you can do to get yourself ready.

One of the best safety measures you can take with regards to winter driving is a good tune up and winterizing. Begin your preparations for winter driving by taking your care to a service center for a winterizing service. Once this has been completed, you can be more certain that you car's engine is up to the task of operating smoothly all winter. At the minimum, your winter care kit should include an ice scraper, brush, de-icer for locks, ice melter, gravel, a small shovel, a safety signal, and an emergency blanket. Depending on your climate, you might want to include tire chains in this kit, as well as instructions on how to use them. These will keep you safe in most winter driving situations. Let's look closer at a couple of these common tools.

Clearing ice and snow from your car is very important. To do this effectively, you'll need a few particular items. Ice scrapers are small handheld items made of plastic; at their most basic, an ice scraper is simply a wedge shaped scraper on a handle. These can be purchased for just a couple dollars at any corner store; in fact, because ice scrapers are so common, it's easy to find them on sale as soon as the weather starts to get cold. Make sure that the ice scraper you purchase is large enough for the vehicle you own. If you can't easily reach the center of your windshield with your hand, then you are going to need an ice scraper with a longer handle. These longer scrapers usually have brushes built into them. These multi-use tools are very convenient and won't cost much more than a basic scraper.

A lock de-icer will help you get into your car when the door lock is frozen shut. Many de-icers are compact and meant to be carried on your keychain for easy access. If you discover that your lock is frozen, a quick squirt of de-icer will clear the ice away and allow you to unlock your door. De-icer is also inexpensive and can be purchased at a department store or auto supply store.

Staying safe on the road in winter is a little more challenging than it is during other parts of the year. There are more risk factors at work in winter and the snow can hide dangers that you'd otherwise be able to see. With just a little preparation, you'll have all the tools you'll need to operate your car safely and efficiently all winter long.

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Winter Weather Preparations for Haulage Companies

ByNorman Dulwich

Last winter, haulage companies across the UK were severely affected by the extreme cold weather, with some being cut off and, in some cases, unable to operate for days. This winter, the industry's workers are being asked to prepare adequately for the cold winter days and exercise precaution when on the nation's roads.

Prepare

The UK Highways Agency has called on haulage drivers to prepare for the winter by planning journeys around the weather, as they aim to keep the road networks clear. The agency's key messages for road users including haulage companies are:

• Be informed (check traffic and weather updates).
• Be prepared (ensure your vehicle is ready).
• Be aware (of protocol for driving in severe weather).
• Be wise (conditions may chance so drive with care).

The Highways Agency has implemented an alert system to help haulage companies respond to severe weather and snow. There are two alert systems - red and amber.

An amber alert will advise drivers to take caution as traffic conditions are highly likely to be affected by the weather. Drivers should monitor the traffic and weather news on radio bulletins and use alternative routes where possible.

A red alert on the other hand, will only be issued in exceptional circumstances where journeys will be affected by severe weather or snow. During the duration of the red alert, haulage drivers should get off the network and find a safe place to park. Drivers can keep abreast of the alert status via radio bulletins, TV or the Freight Transport Association or Road Haulage Association networks. The agency has said it is already prepared for the winter and has 250,000 tonnes of salt at its disposal to grit the roads.

Money Supermarket insurance expert Pete Harrison has also advised hauliers to take precautionary measures - like checking their oil levels, and tyres for thread depth before hitting the roads. He recommends keeping items like a first aid kit, torch, reflective triangle sign, high visibility jacket, warm clothing and jump leads in the event of an emergency.

Hauliers also ought to be extra careful with ice and snow on the roads. Last year, the UK's Department for Transport reported over 18,000 crashes as a result of snow or ice. Winter tyres may be worth considering, though most haulage companies find them too expensive. Otherwise, there are other things that drivers can do to ensure they keep safe on the nation's roads. Super market giant and insurance provider ASDA has advised drivers to ensure that their visibility isn't affected by dirty windscreens. It says drivers should keep a bottle of windscreen wash rather than water, which can freeze. Clearing windscreens of ice and snow is crucial as failing to do so may result in a fine and points on your license from police, ASDA warned.

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for haulage companies and drivers across the UK and Europe. It provides services for matching back loads and to buy and sell road transport and delivery work in the domestic and international markets.

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