Driving in winter weather – what you need to know to stay safe

Winter weather is now increasingly unpredictable with named storms, heavy rain, gale force winds, ice and snow all potentially in the seasonal mix.

This can have a significant effect on driving conditions with poor weather causing an estimated 21% of all UK car accidents between December and March.

That’s why it’s so important to think ahead before you set off in your car including preparing for wintry conditions with a safety kit to cover a range of eventualities, packed and ready in your boot.

The law and winter weather – did you know?

Having clear visibility when you drive is a legal requirement to ensure you can see the road, other vehicles, pedestrians and potential hazards and minimise the risk of accidents.

• This means not only clearing snow and ice from front and rear windscreens but making sure your car is completely de-misted before you go anywhere. Setting off still waiting for your screen to clear as you drive along is actually against the law and could result in a fixed penalty notice.

Removing snow from your car roof before driving.

• This is important as snow could slide from your roof as you drive into the path of other cars or pedestrians potentially causing accident or injury. This risks being penalised for 'careless or inconsiderate driving' or 'using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition'.

Leaving the car running while you de-ice it.

• If your car is on a public road, even if that’s just outside your home, you could receive a fixed penalty fine for engine idling which is illegal under the Road Traffic Act. It also increases the risk of your car being stolen. How many of us have popped back inside to grab something we’ve forgotten whilst waiting for the ice to clear?

How can you prepare for winter driving conditions?

As well as making sure you always have an ice scraper and de-icer in your car, the RAC recommends packing a winter car kit for a range of eventualities.

This includes a shovel, in case you need to dig yourself out on a minor road, warm clothes and blankets and high vis clothing in case you break down and have to leave your vehicle in the dark.

It’s also important not to rely solely on your mobile phone to get you out of trouble. They can run out of battery, lose signal and sometimes just won’t work. As a backup make sure you have:

• A large torch with spare batteries or a wind-up version. A phone light does not always give enough visibility and obviously won’t work at all if something goes wrong with your mobile.
• A paper road atlas. If you get lost, and google maps isn’t available, this will be invaluable.
• An in-car phone charger. This means you can charge your phone battery while you’re driving thus minimising the chances of it running out and not being available in an emergency.

What else do you need in your severe weather safety driving kit?

Getting stuck somewhere in your car in difficult winter conditions can be a very frightening and isolating experience.

Knowing you have the resources to stay safe while you seek help or wait for assistance can be immensely reassuring.

Other useful items to pack include:

• Jump leads – a flat battery in cold weather is far more likely.
• An empty fuel can – no-one wants to run out of fuel, but if it happens, having an empty container to hand saves a lot of hassle.
• Warning triangles – alert other road users to your predicament by placing one in front of the vehicle and one behind, at least 45 metres away.
• Food and drink – something to eat and ideally a flask containing a hot drink can make all the difference if you have to wait for assistance.
• Sunglasses – these help when bright sun makes visibility difficult.
• Handwarmers – frozen fingers make doing anything more tricky not to mention painful. Handwarmers, particularly the rechargeable ones, are a useful addition to your car kit.
• A space blanket, or emergency blanket – these thin, heat-reflective sheets are used to retain body heat in emergencies and prevent hypothermia. They are light and easy to pack and widely available.

Get in touch

Wards Solicitors wins high praise in the 2026 edition of the independent Legal 500 guide of outstanding legal professionals for its exceptional professional service standards and high levels of technical expertise.

If something goes wrong whilst you are driving this winter, and you are charged with a driving or road traffic offence, we have the specialist knowledge and expertise to guide you through what to do.

Criminal Defence Partner Michael Gupwell  and Criminal Defence Solicitor Maxine Twynam are both highly experienced in assisting and successfully defending clients with both straightforward and complex driving and road traffic offences.

Phone: 0117 929 2811 

Email Michael.Gupwell@wards.uk.com or Maxine.Twynam@wards.uk.com