Safe Driving in Winter

Driving during the festive season is dangerous without a good sat nav

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With the busy festive season approaching, motorists will have a reliable cheap sat nav on the top of their wish list for planning their Christmas and New Year journeys. Long drives, traffic disruption and unpredictable weather all mean that even a cheap sat nav can save time and effort, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for the whole family. As the winter of 2010 showed, sound preparation for travel can save lives. Here are some tips to help the motorist during the festive season.

Most obviously, festive travellers are advised to ensure that their vehicle is equipped with de-icer, window scraper, shovel, torch, first-aid kit and rations.

But drivers should try to make sure that they do not let electrical systems in their automobile run any longer than necessary- this includes heater fans and heated rear windows. These systems use up the car battery, and there is nothing worse than breaking down in winter on a cold lonely road.

It is also imperative that drivers ensure they have maximum visibility. The AA advise that drivers make sure all bulbs are working and that lenses are kept clean- this includes clearing any snow that might be impairing the effective working of the lights.

For drivers living in rural areas, a switch to all-season tyres may help through the winter months. These special tyres have an higher silica content in the tread which prevents it hardening at lower temperatures, and therefore gives better grip in cold wet conditions.

So motorists need to take care of aspects in the car which are normally taken for granted. With all these things to worry about, a sat nav can increase the chances of safely getting from one place to another over the festive season- and help to make everyone have an enjoyable, safe Christmas break. In a survey by Autonational, some 57 per cent of motorists claimed they would not begin a journey over the Christmas period without fitting a sat nav. This shows how essential a sat nav is to help drivers navigate their way home through the harsh weather and to ensure trips are no longer than they need to be.

Drivers also revealed that a mobile phone is among their top ten items to survive the winter season. Ronan Hart, Autonational's marketing manager, stated: "Preparing for winter is essential for drivers. The mobile phone has long since taken over from the traditional must haves for winter weather driving."

 

 

 

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