Winter Driving in Bad Weather — Safety Tips

Before You Drive

• Check the weather and road conditions before leaving
• Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, roof, and lights
• Ensure tyres have adequate tread (minimum 3mm for winter driving)
• Keep fuel tank at least half full (prevents fuel line freezing)
• Pack an emergency kit: blanket, torch, ice scraper, phone charger, snacks, water

Driving on Snow and Ice

• Reduce speed — stopping distances are 10x longer on ice
• Increase following distance to at least 6 seconds behind the vehicle ahead
• Accelerate and brake gently — sudden inputs cause skids
• Use low gears for better traction on hills
• If you skid, steer into the skid (turn the wheel in the direction the rear is sliding) and ease off the brakes

Driving in Fog

• Use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect back and reduce visibility)
• Reduce speed significantly
• Use road markings as a guide
• Do not stop on the road — pull completely off to the side
• Use fog lights if your vehicle has them

Driving in Heavy Rain

• Turn headlights on
• Slow down — aquaplaning risk increases above 80 km/h
• Avoid standing water; it may be deeper than it looks
• If you start aquaplaning, ease off the accelerator and keep the wheel straight

Black Ice Warning Signs

• Temperatures near 0°C, especially after rain or on bridges and overpasses
• Road looks wet but there is no spray from other vehicles
• Shaded areas and north-facing slopes are especially risky
• Early morning and evening are peak black ice times

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Check road weather conditions on Weather Tomorrow.