Five key driving tips motorists must follow as Met Office issues North East snow warning
by James Rodger · ChronicleLiveBrits brace for a hammering from heavy snow as we head towards the weekend, with meteorologists from the Met Office issuing snow alerts and yellow weather warnings in anticipation of what's to come. Ahead of the snowy conditions, driving expert Annie Winterburn has taken to her TikTok channel (@theorytestpractice) with indispensable advice for motorists.
She cautioned: "When you're moving away and it's snowy or icy, it will help if you don't race the engine, so don't press too much gas, and use the highest gear that you can."
She also stressed the importance of treating all controls with utmost care, "That is the gas and the brake, and the gears, and the clutch, and the steering. Use them really gently. And stay safe! " Annie advised maintaining a hefty gap to the car ahead, suggesting a full 20 seconds.
Further guidance came from the Met Office, urging drivers: "It is safer not to drive in heavy snow and icy conditions but if you absolutely must drive, keep yourself and others safe by using dipped headlights and accelerate gently, use low revs and change to higher gears as quickly as possible."
They provided additional tips such as starting in second gear to reduce wheel slip and emphasised, "maintain a safe and steady speed. Keep your distance from other vehicles". "Keep a constant speed up hills. Leave plenty of room between cars," they added, underscoring safety in treacherous conditions, reports Birmingham Live.
"Use a low gear to go down hill and try to avoid braking unless necessary. Steer into skids. Do not take your hands of the wheel or slam on the brakes."
The warning also highlights the potential risk of being cut off by snow, leaving you without access to food, heat or light for several days.
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