Roads across Wales can be affected by winter weather, when snow, ice, heavy rain, and strong winds create difficult driving conditions. Here are some simple tips to help make your journeys safer.
Get your vehicle ready
Keeping your vehicle well-maintained to handle difficult driving conditions will help you and others stay safe on the road.
- Ensure your vehicle is within service
- Make sure your battery is in good condition
- Check all tyres
- Check your wipers, lights, and indicators
- Keep the windscreen and windows clean and the washer bottle filled with screenwash
Plan your trip
- Check road maps, traffic updates, and roadwork schedules before traveling.
- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination safely.
- Drive according to the weather, keeping a safe distance and staying alert.
Pack a winter kit
Have some useful items ready in case you need them:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and spare batteries
- Warm blankets
- Sunglasses (the low winter sun and glare off snow can be dazzling)
- Jump leads
- Shovel
- Boots
- First aid kit
- Water
Follow road signs
- Pay attention to signs providing important information.
- Watch out for variable message signs showing road conditions, accidents, or speed limits.
- If you see a red X on a lane sign, that lane is closed, so switch to an open lane to stay legal and safe.
