Driving in rain, fog, ice, snow and wind

By the end of this topic you can

• You can adjust your speed and following distance for rain, ice and fog.
• You can clear your car properly before setting off in frost or snow.
• You can use headlights and fog lights correctly when visibility is poor.
• You can control the car gently on slippery roads.
• You can decide when a journey is not worth the risk.

What you need to know and understand

• In wet weather, stopping distances are at least double those on dry roads (Highway Code rule 227).
• On icy roads, stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads (rule 230).
• You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (rule 226).
• You MUST NOT use fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, and you MUST switch them off when it improves (rule 236).
• Before setting off in winter you MUST clear all snow and ice from your windows, and lights and number plates MUST be clean and readable (rule 229).
• In icy or snowy weather, do not drive unless your journey is essential (rule 228).
• If the steering feels light or unresponsive in the wet, water may be stopping the tyres gripping. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually (rule 227).

Rain and spray

Rain reduces grip and visibility. Keep well back from the vehicle in front, at least double your usual gap, and use dipped headlights in heavy rain so others can see you. Spray from lorries can blind you for a moment, so drop back further when passing or following them.

Watch for spilt diesel, which makes the surface very slippery, and take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. After driving through deep water, test your brakes gently as soon as it is safe (rule 121).

Ice and snow

Before you set off, clear every window, mirror and light, and remove snow from the roof that could fall onto the windscreen or other road users. Demist the windows thoroughly. Carry a winter kit: de-icer, scraper, torch, warm clothes, boots, a first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel, a warm drink and food (rule 228).

• Drive slowly in as high a gear as possible.
• Accelerate, brake and steer very gently.
• Slow down on the straight before bends, then steer smoothly round.
• Remember that tyres make almost no noise on ice. A quiet road with light steering can mean ice (rule 231).
• Do not overtake snowploughs unless the lane you will use has been cleared (rule 230).

Fog

Before entering fog, check your mirrors and slow down. Use dipped headlights, and fog lights if visibility is seriously reduced. Be able to stop well within the distance you can see. Do not follow the rear lights of the car ahead too closely, and do not speed up to get away from someone close behind (rule 235).

At junctions in fog, open your window and listen for traffic before you go. When the fog lifts, switch your fog lights off so you do not dazzle others or hide your brake lights.

Wind and sunshine

Strong gusts can push cars, cyclists and motorcyclists off course, especially on exposed roads, on bridges and at gaps in hedges. Hold the wheel firmly and give two-wheeled riders and high-sided vehicles extra room (rules 232 and 233).

In hot weather, keep the car ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Rain after a dry spell can make roads slippery. If you are dazzled by bright sun, slow down and stop if you need to (rule 237).

Common mistakes

• Keeping the normal two-second gap in the rain. Double it at least.
• Driving off with a small hole scraped in the windscreen. Clear all windows fully.
• Leaving rear fog lights on after the fog clears. Check your dashboard light.
• Braking sharply on ice. Use very gentle inputs and high gears.
• Driving fast because the road was gritted. Treated roads can still be icy.

Test yourself: Driving in rain, fog, ice, snow and wind

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• When to Use Fog Lights