Common Winter Road Hazards and How to Deal With Them

For many people, driving home for Christmas marks an exciting start to the festive season. However, it’s important to be mindful of the various road hazards that present themselves during the winter months. To help you navigate these, GMCB Ltd have compiled a list of the most common winter road hazards and provided guidance on how to deal with them.



Snow and ice covering your vehicle

Before you set off on any journey, you should clear the windows, mirrors and lights of any snow and ice. While this can be time-consuming, it is crucial for your safety. Do not turn on your windshield wipers until you've removed the snow and ice from your windshield and you've confirmed that they aren't frozen to the glass. Remember, if you use them to remove snow, you could break your wiper blades or change the tension, making them inoperable.

Black ice

If the road looks wet but temperatures are below freezing, you may be driving on black ice. No matter how well-equipped your vehicle is, black ice can cause serious accidents. The only way to drive safely on black ice is to slow down - you’ll need to put on your hazard lights so approaching vehicles can see you are moving slowly. You should keep a safe distance between you and other drivers to try and avoid sudden braking and to avoid the spray from the other cars that decrease your visibility.

Poor visibility

As the days get shorter and darker, visibility while driving is significantly decreased. Driving more slowly and maintaining a safe distance are the most effective ways to reduce the risk of getting into a crash. It’s also worth noting that falling snow and spray from other vehicles can greatly reduce your visibility. Keep a container of windshield wiper fluid in your trunk with your emergency car kit.

Loss of traction

With icy roads and wet weather there is an increased risk of losing control of your vehicle. You are less likely to lose traction if your tires are in good shape. You should ensure worn tires are replaced before travelling in dangerous weather conditions. Keep in mind that even with good tires, you may lose traction and experience momentary brake failure. You will therefore need to avoid fast acceleration and over-braking. Remember that driving too fast could also cause you to skid or slide.

If staying safe is a top priority for you this winter, why not contact GMCB Ltd and learn more about our snow clearance and gritting services? We aim to keep roads maintained well and safe, regardless of the weather conditions - get in touch with us today for winter gritting advice.