With winter firmly gripping the UK, motoring experts are issuing a stark reminder to all drivers about two fundamental rules in the Highway Code that become critically important during the colder months.
Why Winter Demands Extra Vigilance on the Roads
The combination of ice, snow, rain, and reduced daylight significantly increases risks for everyone on the road. Adherence to the Highway Code is always mandatory, but specific rules require heightened attention when conditions deteriorate. These are Rule 146 and Rule 148, both designed to combat the unique challenges posed by winter driving.
Rule 146: Adapting to Road and Traffic Conditions
This comprehensive rule is a cornerstone of defensive driving, especially in winter. It mandates that drivers must adapt their behaviour to the specific type and condition of the road they are on. Crucially, it clarifies that speed limits are not targets, and it is often unsafe to drive at the maximum limit in poor weather.
The rule provides a non-exhaustive list of actions for drivers:
- Always account for road and traffic conditions, preparing for unexpected hazards like a blocked road after a blind bend.
- Adjust your speed as a precautionary measure.
- Be vigilant at junctions and in country lanes for emerging vehicles and unmarked junctions.
- Prepare to stop at traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and roadworks.
- Anticipate the actions of pedestrians and cyclists, understanding that someone not looking your way could step into the road.
In essence, Rule 146 requires a proactive and cautious mindset, which is indispensable when dealing with slippery surfaces and reduced visibility.
Rule 148: Eliminating Dangerous Distractions
Concentration is the bedrock of safe driving, and this rule explicitly lists distractions to avoid. During winter, when reaction times are paramount, minimising distractions is even more vital. The rule states that safe driving needs full focus and warns against:
- Playing loud music, which can mask important sounds like sirens or screeching tyres.
- Trying to read maps or adjust a radio or music player.
- Arguing with passengers or other road users.
- Eating, drinking, or smoking.
The rule adds a specific legal note on smoking, stating it is prohibited in an enclosed private vehicle if anyone under 18 is present. Any lapse in concentration during winter—whether by glancing at a phone or dealing with a steaming window—can have severe consequences on treacherous roads.
Staying Safe Through the Season
While the Highway Code contains hundreds of rules, the emphasis on Rules 146 and 148 during winter is clear. One governs your external awareness and adaptation to the environment; the other governs your internal focus and composure. Together, they form a vital framework for navigating the months ahead.
Motorists are encouraged to revisit the full Highway Code, but keeping these two critical rules at the forefront of their minds could make the defining difference in staying safe during the challenging winter driving conditions across the UK.
