Winter roads are deadlier than you think: 10 simple steps could save your life

With the recent clock change and the arrival of colder months, UK roads are more dangerous than ever. There is always a spike in road traffic accidents during winter. Shorter days, icy roads, fog, and heavy rain reduce visibility, making driving, cycling and walking riskier.

Winter conditions create numerous hazards for road users. Wet, icy, or snow-covered roads significantly reduce tyre traction, increasing the risk of skidding and collisions. Darker mornings and evenings also limit visibility, making it harder to spot hazards like pedestrians or cyclists. Understanding these dangers and preparing adequately for drivers and pedestrians can prevent many avoidable accidents.

Road Safety Week is approaching, the biggest safety campaign of the road safety charity Brake. Every year, thousands of schools, organisations, and communities get involved to share important road safety messages. This year’s Road Safety Week takes place from November 17th to 23rd.

Brake says: “Every year, more than 1700 people die on UK roads. Another 30,000 receive serious, life-changing injuries. The numbers are shocking, and there has been no significant reduction for more than a decade.

“But road casualties are not just statistics. Behind every number is a family in turmoil. A grief-stricken family trying to navigate its way through the complex procedures that often follow a road crash. Behind every number is a family whose lives have been changed forever in an instant. A family that needs our help.

“This Road Safety Week, we are counting the real cost of road crashes. We are revealing the stories behind the numbers and calling for the very highest standard of care for every road victim.

During Road Safety Week, Brake wants to:

  • Develop a Road Victims’ Charter, calling on the government to provide sustainable funding and parity of care for road victims and their families, whoever they are, wherever they live, and whether or not a crime has occurred.
  • Bring communities together to remember loved ones who have died or suffered life-changing injuries in road crashes.
  • Help children and young people learn about those who help us after a crash.
  • Help organisations that employ people who drive for work understand why we need a robust investigation into the causes of road crashes so Brake can understand why they happen and prevent future road deaths and harm.
  • Help people whose lives have been torn apart by road crashes to talk about their experience.
  • Showcase the work of Brake’s National Road Victim Service, which provides expert emotional and practical support to thousands of road victim families during their darkest and most difficult times.

Brake tirelessly campaigns for safer roads. It recently shared the tragic story of 22-year-old primary school teacher Megan, who was fatally killed when she crashed in poor weather conditions. A combination of atrocious weather conditions and underinflated tyres caused her to lose control of her car. Read about the case HERE 

Over the years, we have witnessed the devastating impact road collisions have. To help you navigate winter roads safely, we have created a 10-step winter safety guide for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Prevention is the key to reducing accidents.

  1. Prepare your vehicle

Before winter, ensure your car or bike  is winter-ready. Check tyre pressure and tread, topping up with antifreeze and windscreen wash. Properly functioning lights, brakes, and batteries are crucial. Consider fitting winter tyres for better grip on icy or snowy roads. Motoring group Halfords provides free car checks for motorists. Find out more HERE

  1. Plan your route and allow extra time

Avoid rushing and plan your journey, allowing time for slower speeds. Check weather and traffic reports and consider alternate routes if severe weather is expected. Early preparation helps you avoid risky shortcuts or driving faster in hazardous conditions.

  1. Drive slowly on winter roads and maintain safe distances

Wet or icy roads increase stopping distances significantly. In winter conditions, double the distance between you and the car in front to allow ample time to react to sudden stops. Remember the ‘tyre touching tarmac’ rule. When stopping behind a vehicle, you should always be able to see the rear tyres touching the tarmac. If not, you are too close.

  1. Use headlights and fog lights wisely

When visibility is low, switch on your headlights to stay visible to other drivers. If driving in heavy fog, use your fog lights, but remember to switch them off when conditions improve, as they can blind other drivers.

  1. Avoid sudden braking and steering

Quick manoeuvres like harsh braking or sharp turns can lead to skidding. Instead, apply gentle pressure on the brakes and steer carefully, particularly on icy or wet roads. Practising smooth driving minimises your risk of losing control.

  1. Stay alert

Dark evenings and wet conditions make pedestrians and cyclists less visible. Be vigilant around schools, residential areas, and bus stops where people may cross the road, especially at unmarked spots.

  1. Pack an emergency kit

Equip your vehicle with a winter emergency kit, including a torch, blanket, first-aid supplies, water, snacks, de-icer, scraper, and phone charger. These supplies will keep you safe while waiting for assistance in the event of a breakdown.

  1. Wear reflective clothing

Pedestrians should wear light-coloured or reflective clothing and accessories when walking near winter roads, especially at night. This visibility measure helps drivers spot you sooner and reduces accident risks.

  1. Watch for black ice

Black ice is nearly invisible and especially dangerous. It tends to form in shaded areas and on bridges or overpasses. Drive slowly, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration, and remain vigilant for shiny, wet-looking patches on the road.

  1. Follow winter road weather alerts

Check weather alerts from the Met Office or traffic updates before heading out on winter roads. Avoid driving in extreme conditions like heavy snow or storms unless necessary. Staying off the roads can be the safest choice in severe weather.

With careful planning, motorists and pedestrians can reduce winter road risks. By taking preventive steps and staying alert, everyone can help minimise the number of accidents and stay safe.

If you have been involved in a road accident that was not your fault, NV Legal can help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process.

NV Legal Ltd

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