The truth is most of us are woefully unprepared for driving in even the most moderate of winter conditions. The trusty loyalty card has come to the rescue on a number of occasions when the windscreen has needed defrosting 5 minutes after the journey to the office should have begun. But let’s be honest, the British weather is unpredictable to say the least so forgive us if we are mildly sceptical when forecasters tell us that winter weather is on its way. A few simple preparations though can make all the difference if mother nature does deliver.
Keep time on your side - keep an eye on the forecast, if sub-zero temperatures are forecast allow yourself time to properly defrost car windows - and lights - with enough time to get to where you need to be on time. Remember, if your vehicle is frozen, so are the roads so rushing is not a good idea. Oh, and as heroic as the loyalty card can be, invest in some proper defrosting equipment and keep it in the car in case of an equally frosty journey home.
Stay connected - always keep a phone charger in the car. Not just for ensuring that amazing snowman you made makes it onto the Facebook hall of fame, you never know when a sudden change in conditions or a weather related accident might leave you stranded and needing to call for help.
Be well equipped - aside from an impressive collection of bags for life, the boot of the car should contain a few items that could become essentials if bad weather hits. Always carry a warm blan-ket, some warm, waterproof footwear and a shovel in case of being stuck in the vehicle. It’s al-ways advisable to keep a bottle of water and some snacks in the car with you too.
And finally, take it easy - you are better arriving late than not at all. Respect the conditions and always consider whether it is worth travelling at all. Stay safe.