Winter’s come, the snow has fell
Wee Josie’s nose is froze as well
Wee Josie’s frozen nose is skintit
Winter’s diabolic, intit
Snow fell in the Midlands today – http://tinyurl.com/bfeqssp
Following Met warnings, our company let everyone leave at 12 noon to allow us to get home before the worst of the weather hit
A journey, however, that . . . normally takes me around 30 minutes took me 3.1/2hr to complete this afternoon !
We rarely see much snow in this part of the UK and when we do our inexperience driving in snowy conditions shows – most drivers reduce their speed, crawling along at 5mph, thereby causing huge tailbacks of traffic
For the benefit of drivers with little experience of driving in wintry conditions, I would like to offer a few tips
Before setting out on your journey
- check levels of anti-freeze and window wash and top up if necessary
- make sure windscreen, rear window, and side windows are clear of snow and ice
- make sure headlamps and tail-lights are clear of snow or ice
- put a shovel in the back of your car in case you get stuck in snow
- carry a blanket or extra warm clothes
- carry a flask with a hot drink and some chocolate for emergencies
- make sure your cell phone is fully charged
- consider inviting your mother-in-law to accompany you on your journey. The extra weight will give your car greater grip on the road in icy conditions; if you become stuck in snow she can help push or dig the car out with the aforementioned shovel; and if you are stuck for a prolonged period of time and run out of chocolate, she will be a handy additional food source to have around
When driving
- keep a larger distance than usual from the vehicle in front (your stopping distance will be greater in the snow and ice)
- avoid braking harshly. Anticipate when you will need to slow or stop the car and break often and lightly to adjust your speed
- approach corners with caution. Do not enter them too quickly or turn the wheels too sharply
- drive sensibly. Do not speed, but don’t drive too slowly either. There is no need to drive at 5mph on a long straight stretch of road that has obviously been gritted
- be aware of your surroundings and other road users. Check your rear view mirror frequently
- if you see a bearded, auld git in the car behind you, mouthing obscenities and gesticulating wildy, get a bloody move one or get out of my friggin way !!!
3.1/2hrs to travel 18 miles – Ggrrrr !!!!
