Navigating through challenging weather conditions requires more than just the ability to operate a vehicle; it demands a heightened sense of responsibility and consideration. As the elements unleash their fury, the road transforms into a battleground where each driver’s choices can either contribute to collective safety or escalate the risks. Driving carefully and considerately in difficult weather conditions is not merely a matter of personal caution; it’s a communal commitment to safeguarding the well-being of everyone on the road. In these moments, the steering wheel becomes a conduit for shared responsibility, and every cautious maneuver becomes a small but significant contribution to the greater task of ensuring a secure journey for all.
As longer days and autumn hues give way to crisp air and adverse weather, drivers’ have been warned to take extra caution on the roads.
Reports have found that traffic accidents peak from November to January, with severe accidents four times more common in the colder months. With this in mind, Top Rated Law have put together a list of driving rules to be aware of as temperatures plummet and the winter months draw closer
1. Wearing a coat, hat, gloves or scarf
As the temperatures drop, it can be tempting to wrap up warm on a frosty winter’s day. But due to the fact that scarves, hats, and puffy coats can impact visibility and the ability to use your car’s controls, winter clothing could be considered a hazard.
Gloves could also affect your ability to grip the steering wheel or gear stick. In fact, drivers are even warned that breaking this rule could even cost you a £5,000 fine.
2. Splashing pedestrians
You could rack up a whopping £5,000 fine if caught splashing pedestrians on a rainy day, especially after Met Office yellow warnings. This could be considered careless, incompetent, selfish, aggressive or inconsiderate behaviour on the road, and as such, you could be summoned to court and given three penalty points, with the same rule applying to cyclists.
3. Failing to clear snow and ice from roof and windows
As the saying goes; if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail, and in this instance, failing to prepare can be a costly error for UK drivers. It can be easy to miss when rushing out to your morning commute, but it is important to make sure windows are fully de-misted, and to remove any ice or snow from windows and the top of the car as this could fall off and into the path of other road users.
Drivers breaking this law are risking a fine of £60 – rising to £5000 if their vehicle is deemed dangerous – and three to nine points on their licence.
4. Incorrectly using fog lights
It may sound obvious, but you should never use your fog lights if visibility is clear as this could create a glare and dazzle both you and other drivers. According to The Highway Code, you should only rely on your fog lights when you can’t see 100 metres ahead of the car.
Using your fog lights unnecessarily is considered a safety hazard and could result in a £50 non endorsable Fixed Penalty Notice.
5. Check under the car before driving on cold mornings
Whilst checking under your car on a winter morning isn’t a legal requirement, motorists are still urged to have a quick look before setting off, as there could be sleeping animals sheltering from the cold. Cats and other animals could be seriously injured or killed if they decide to rest in the wheel arches during a chilly night, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
6. Driving with unrestrained pets
As we see the rise of pet owners opting to drive rather than walk in the cold and families travelling with their pets for Christmas, the Highway Code warns drivers to make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving.
A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars. You could be charged for driving without due care and attention, which carries a maximum fine of £2,500 and nine penalty points.
7. Avoid on street parking if foggy
The Highway Code states that parking your vehicle on a street or roadway in foggy weather is especially dangerous. Foggy mornings are naturally a more common occurrence in the winter months, but drivers should avoid parking in fog at all times unless abandoning your vehicle is unavoidable, in which case you should leave parking lights switched on.
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