Snow can be great fun for kids, but it can turn road conditions unpredictable and dangerous for the person behind the wheel. Driving in snow and ice is unsettling at the best of times — with children in the car, a little extra preparation goes a long way.
Here are 12 top tips for winter driving to help keep the whole family safe.
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Tips for Winter Driving
Wintry conditions bring their own hazards. Black ice is hard to spot and can catch even experienced drivers out. A low winter sun reflecting off snow can dazzle you without warning, and a cold snap can leave a car radiator frozen solid.
Before you set off in snow or icy conditions, ask yourself whether the journey is really necessary — especially with children in the car. If you do need to drive, take it slow, stay alert, and keep your insurer’s breakdown assistance number to hand in case you need it.
#1. Plan Your Route
Plan your route carefully so you can avoid minor roads where possible. Main roads are safer and more likely to have been gritted.
#2. Avoid Bulky Winter Clothes in the Car Seat
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It’s tempting to wrap little ones up in a thick coat before you strap them in, but a bulky coat can affect how well a car seat harness does its job. In a crash, a bulky coat can compress, leaving the harness loose and putting your child at greater risk of injury.
Keep your child warm instead by tightening the harness properly first, then adding a blanket — or their coat — over the top.
#3. Keep a Full Tank of Fuel
If you end up stuck or stranded, a full tank means you can keep the engine running to stay warm until help arrives. It also means you’ll have enough fuel for the journey home once you’re able to drive again safely.
#4. Pack a Winter-Ready Emergency Kit
Keep a winter-ready emergency kit in the boot of your car year-round — it takes up very little space, and you can add perishable items in when colder weather is forecast.
A good kit includes an ice scraper, hi-vis jackets for the whole family, blankets, and essentials such as baby food, formula and water. You may never need it, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there.
#5. Clear Snow Off the Roof of the Car
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Before you set off, clear any snow off the roof of your car. Left where it is, it can slide down over the windscreen while you’re driving and block your view. It’s also much harder to shift once it’s frozen solid overnight.
#6. Use Dipped Headlights
When driving in snow or fog, use dipped headlights. This keeps your visibility as good as possible and helps other road users see you.
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#7. Listen to the Road Surface
If the crunching sound of driving over packed snow suddenly stops, take note — it can be a sign you’ve moved onto ice.
#8. Drive in a Higher Gear
Driving in a higher gear reduces revs and helps stop your wheels from spinning on a slippery surface.
#9. Turn Slowly
Approach corners slowly and turn the wheel as gently as possible. A sharp, rapid turn is more likely to send the car into a skid.
#10. Brake Gradually
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Give yourself considerably more stopping distance than usual, and slow down gradually. Braking suddenly on snow or ice can cause the car to slide.
#11. Leave More Distance
You’ll remember the “2-second rule” from learning to drive — the gap you should leave between your car and the one in front in normal conditions.
In icy weather, triple that distance to at least 6 seconds.
#12. If You Skid, Don’t Brake
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This tip comes up in every list of winter driving advice for good reason: don’t brake if you skid, as it can prolong the skid. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and wait for the skid to settle.
If the car begins to spin, steer gently in the direction the rear of the car is sliding. Avoid overcorrecting, or you may find yourself needing to steer the opposite way.
Stay safe out there!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep a child in a car seat while they’re wearing a thick winter coat?
It’s best avoided. A bulky coat can compress in a crash, leaving the harness looser than it should be. Strap your child in properly first, then add a blanket or their coat over the tightened harness to keep them warm.
What should I pack in a winter driving emergency kit?
Useful items include an ice scraper, hi-vis jackets for the family, blankets, and essentials like baby food, formula and water — handy if you’re delayed or stuck for any length of time.
How much extra distance should I leave from the car in front in icy conditions?
Triple the usual 2-second rule to around 6 seconds, giving yourself much more room to stop safely.
What should I do if my car starts to skid?
Don’t brake. Take your foot off the accelerator, avoid sudden steering, and if the back of the car starts to slide, steer gently in the direction it’s sliding without overcorrecting.
Related Articles
- Winter Safety Tips for Families
- Tips for Parents on Teenage Driving
- 50 Fun Winter Activities for Kids You’ll Thank Us For
Save This for Later
Winter driving conditions can catch anyone out, so it’s worth bookmarking this page or saving it to your phone before the cold weather sets in — you’ll want it close to hand on frosty mornings.
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