Highways Agency advice for winter driving in Cheshire

Jan 12 2010 by Claire Devine, Chester Chronicle

AS THE big freeze continues across the UK those venturing out on the roads are being advised to take extra care.

The Highways Agency has offered the following tips for Cheshire drivers:

Check your route before you set out

Keep lights clean, check bulbs regularly and be prepared for lower visibility.

Ensure windscreen fluid levels are topped up with the correct mix for winter weather.

Ensure your tyres are inflated to the manufacturers’ recommended pressure and have at least 3mm of tread depth.

Keep the cold out of your vehicle by checking and replacing the anti-freeze in the radiator.

Clear any snow off the top of your vehicle as it can slip down and obscure your vision.

If your vehicle starts to skid depress the clutch. Do not brake – it will lock your wheels and make you skid further.

Turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid.

When the vehicle straightens, steer along the road.

The organisation also advises drivers take an emergency kit with them in case they break down or get stranded.

The recommended kit includes:

Ice scraper and de-icer

Torch

Warm clothes and a blanket

A pair of boots

First aid kit

Battery jump leads

A shovel if it’s likely to snow

Food and a warm drink in a flask for particularly cold weather

It is also worth keeping a pair of sunglasses in the glove box to protect from the glare from the low winter sun.