Accelerate safely this winter

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27 October 2011

Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering weekly motoring tips to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow.  This week, he is advising on the use of acceleration and power in wintery conditions.

Elstow said: “Power and acceleration are no good without control. This is especially true when drivers are faced with cold, wet and slippery conditions.”

Elstow has six tips to ensure you remain in control:

  1. Be aware of the way your car applies power to the road.  As acceleration shifts weight from the front to the back of the car, the wheels of front wheel-drive cars will spin more easily in wet and icy conditions.
  2. Accelerate smoothly and maintain a safe speed particularly in wintery conditions – remember the speed limit may be too fast especially when conditions are poor.
  3. Make sure you’re in the correct gear before overtaking and use as much power as is safe bearing in mind your car’s abilities, the speed limit and the road conditions.
  4. Changing your use of the accelerator is a good way of slowing down, without ever needing to touch the brake.  When you can see traffic slowing up ahead, ease off the power in advance instead of driving up behind it and braking as you arrive.  This will reduce the amount you have to brake and save fuel.
  5. When approaching bends, reduce your speed, but ensure you maintain a constant speed and a smooth line through the bend.  As you drive out of the bend, you can increase the power.  If it’s slippery, leave accelerating until you are straightened up properly. 
  6. On level ground or downhill you should be able to start from stationary without using the accelerator in a modern car – just lift the clutch carefully, and then very gently apply power once you are moving.  When the roads are icy, this can be a useful technique.

Elstow said: “Wintery conditions don’t necessarily mean you can’t go out, but if weather conditions are very hazardous, do question whether you really need to make the journey.  Understanding your car’s acceleration and power will help you stay in control whatever the weather.”

 

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Notes to editors:

  1. www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk
  2. Simon Elstow, Head of Training
  1. IAM Drive & Survive is a commercial subsidiary of the IAM and promotes occupational driver skills and safety for vehicle fleets businesses. IAM Drive & Survive helps employers achieve their duty of care to employees and reduce road accidents while driving on business. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling.  The IAM has more than 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses.  Our policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

 

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