On the road in winter: stay safe with these 5 tips

Although it’s not always fun, we need to drive our company cars on winter roads too. And even if you have winter tyres, it is important to adapt your driving style to the weather conditions. This will ensure you won’t be surprised by black ice, mist or a damp road surface.

Tip 1: first, clean all your windows

Frosty or fogged-up windows? Clean them before you start driving, even if it takes a few minutes. Scraping off some frost to peep through your windshield is not enough and is even downright dangerous. It limits your field of vision, which means you don’t see other road users or see them much too late. No to mention that you could get a big fine for doing that!

Scraping off just enough frost to peep through your windshield is downright dangerous!

Tip 2: keep enough distance

Tailgating is never courteous, but in winter it is even more dangerous than in other seasons. Your braking distance is a lot longer on a cold, damp or frozen road surface. If you have to brake hard, you will skid and possibly cause a rear-end collision.

Skidding? Don’t look at the obstacles you want to avoid.

Tip 3: avoid sudden movements

Sudden swerves, cutting off another vehicle, or slamming on your brake pedal: the chance that you will lose control of your steering wheel during such maneuvres is high in winter. Don’t brake either when approaching a bend; instead take your foot off of the accelerator pedal to reduce speed. If you have to overtake, swerve or take a sharp turn, do so calmly.