Motorists across the UK are being urged to exercise extreme caution this weekend as treacherous icy conditions persist in the wake of Storm Goretti. With the Met Office issuing an amber weather alert for the West Midlands and snow causing major disruption on the roads, a leading driving instructor has stepped forward to highlight two common but dangerous mistakes drivers make.
The Two Critical Errors to Avoid on Ice
The crucial advice comes from The Art School of Motoring, a Birmingham-based driving school with a 5-star rating and DVSA-approved instructors. In a demonstration video shared with their 1,800 TikTok followers, an instructor clearly showed the perils of over-accelerating and applying the brakes too sharply on icy surfaces.
Using an automatic car on an icy road, the expert explained the tell-tale sound of wheels spinning due to excessive acceleration. "It's best to keep a very light foot on the accelerator when you're going downhill," the instructor advised. The guidance for braking was equally clear: "Just ease off the accelerator, stay close to the brakes and very gently apply them. Try not to sharp brake to lose traction."
Understanding the Dramatic Increase in Braking Distance
The RAC has issued a stark reminder of just how much ice affects a vehicle's stopping power. The organisation states that braking distances can be up to 10 times longer on icy roads compared to dry tarmac. This makes it imperative for drivers to leave a significantly larger gap than usual between their car and the vehicle in front.
Furthermore, the RAC notes that tyre grip is substantially reduced in colder conditions, even when temperatures are above freezing and no ice is visible. They recommend that winter tyres can offer a significant increase in grip and performance for those who must drive regularly in such conditions.
Essential Tips for Safer Winter Driving
To navigate icy roads more safely, drivers should focus on smoothness and anticipation. Key recommendations include:
- Look well ahead for potential hazards like icy patches and reduce your speed accordingly.
- Accelerate, brake, steer and change gear as smoothly as possible to minimise the risk of skidding.
- When struggling for grip, try going up a gear to reduce torque.
- For manual cars, you may need to slip the clutch slightly to prevent stalling.
- Automatic drivers can often select second gear from a standstill to pull away more gently.
With Storm Goretti continuing to affect the UK, adopting these cautious techniques could be vital for ensuring a safe journey during this period of severe winter weather.
