Castle Combe Skid Pan

The UK’s weather has been proving since January that extreme weather creates extreme challenges for all motorists, regardless of how long they have been driving. Heeding government and motoring agency advice, and acquiring specialist wet weather driving skills can be ways in which all road users can seriously reduce the risks to themselves and other road users.
The main Government advice for driving in these conditions is that headlights (dipped) should be used when visibilit...y is seriously reduced e.g. down to less than 100 metres / 328 feet, and that stopping distances are at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. Both the official Government advice and the RAC tips however remind motorists that in very wet conditions tyres can lose contact with the road, steering can feel light, and a skid or aquaplane could mean that control is lost (perhaps until speed is reduced).
Skid Control Courses are a way in which motorists can learn to stay in control of this most dangerous of driving situations. With a growing recognition that climate change is likely to mean that very wet winter weather looking ever more likely in the UK this skill could prove to be something many more drivers will be hoping to acquire for themselves and / or for their loved ones as a gift.
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This is an interesting read. The main thing to take from it is to be prepared for ice and monitor your speed accordingly.

One of the main hazards of driving in the winter is a lack of visibility. I have listed a number of threats that can hinder visibility in the winter.
1. Setting Sun The sun is much lower in the winter which can cause a severe blinding glare. This Blinding Glare can be extremely dangerous, and can create a temporary blindness. (Much like that caused by Full-Beam Headlights.) You would be surprised at how many people forget about Sun-Visors, they do help so remember to use them...!
2. Darkness With reduced daytime light, the darkness settles in much earlier. This means we’re more exposed to bright artificial light from oncoming headlights, street lights and even Christmas Lights (in the happier parts of town). These artificial lights can cause something that’s known as a Distracting Glare.
3. Changing light conditions Unpredictable winter weather can cause fluctuations in light levels. This can lead to squinting and eye fatigue for drivers. This can make it hard to see what’s in front of us. If you are planning a long journey I would recommend throwing in an extra stop, just to allow yourself to recover.
4. Rain/Snow In addition to making roads slippery and increasing stopping distances, rain and snow creates a reflective road surface which, in combination with the bright low sun, can cause a blinding glare. It’s definitely worth taking into account and maybe wearing Sunglasses in winter isn't such a stupid idea?
5. Dirty windscreens Many drivers forget, or choose against cleaning windscreens before setting off on a journey. Smudges and streaks can scatter light passing through the glass, making it difficult to see what’s ahead. A lot of drivers head off on a journey before a car has finished de-misting or on colder days de-icing. This is due to being unprepared, albeit waking up late, or being in a rush to get somewhere. You should try to allow time to make sure your windscreen is clean and clear before heading off on a journey. Visibility is bad enough as it is at this time of year, without making it worse for yourself!
Ensuring your vision is clear and that you are prepared for the reduced visibility will go a very long way to keeping you, your passengers and any other motorists safe on the road.
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We're doing a spot of Christmas advertising in bath today. If you come and find us you might be lucky enough to win a free Skid Course!

Just a reminder, keep your windows shut this winter.

We have focused mainly on being prepared for the slippery conditions while driving a car. However Motorcyclists will feel the effects of the weather worse than car drivers. Here's a quick article on Bikers being prepared for winter driving. Being prepared for the conditions is very important! Regardless of whether you are on a bike or in a car.

Some more handy tips to take note of:

Here's an interesting article on cyclists: http://ukcyclelaws.blogspot.co.uk/p/overt aking-cyclists.html
A few important points to pick out from it, that many road users fail to do.
Before overtaking you should make sure: ... 1) The road is sufficiently clear ahead. 2) There is a suitable gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake.
Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. You should: 1) Not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake. 2) Move quickly past the vehicle you are overtaking, once you have started to overtake. Allow plenty of room. Move back to the left as soon as you can but do not cut in. 3) Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car. 4) Take extra care at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance
Just be wary of other road users, they have every right to be on the road the same as you and take extra precautions in the slippery conditions.
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Here is a quick list of Frequent reasons for accidents in slippery conditions.
1 ) Inability to judge safe speed for conditions 2 ) Trying to take a corner to fast 3 ) Lack of Traction... 4 ) Lack of Visibility 5 ) Aggressive Braking (Locking Up) 6 ) Aggressive Change of Gear 7 ) Failure to adapt to changing weather conditions 8 ) Failure to Prepare your car properly
Careful Planning, Preparation and Driving can avoid all of these.
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Snow Tyres / Winter Tyres are not widely used here in the United Kingdom. However the majority of people do feel that they make a difference. Having the traction in heavy snow is vital for pulling away and just general grip.
If you do not wish to purchase Snow/Winter tyres make sure that you can get the optimum traction out of the tyres currently on your car.
You need to make sure they have lots of tread on them. If the tread levels are low it would probably be best to buy ...new tyres anyway.
Also make sure you use the recommended tyre pressures for your model of car.
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More speculations about the bad weather that is forecast. With a 'horror winter' predicted, make sure you're all prepared!

As the winter closes in, the rain is sure to fall and it is likely that you will encounter some flood water. The ideal solution is to avoid the water completely and take a different route. However, if you can't take a different route here is some advice:
Try to avoid the deepest water, which is usually nearest the kerb, or at a dip in the road.
Drive through the water at a slow and steady speed, the bow wave you create at the front of the vehicle should be as small as possibl...e. Keep the revs high by using a low gear – You do not want to stall in the middle of water! There's a very good chance it won't start again!
After you have cleared the water, test your brakes. The water can effect your braking capability, so give the pedal a few pumps to make sure they are working. You don't want to survive the Flood water, only to crash a bit further up the road due to a loss of braking ability!
If the water appears too deep, Do Not Cross! If there are already a lot of abandoned vehicles, with water up to their wheels, TAKE NOTICE! There's a good chance you won't make it either.
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Winter Driving Tips: Driving in the Fog
1 ) SLOW DOWN - Keep an eye on your speed. Be sure that you can stop within the distance that you can see to be clear. Fog can create a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding. The most fog-related traffic fatalities occur because someone was driving too fast and couldn't react in time to avoid a collision.
2 ) Watch out for slow-moving and parked vehicles. Open your window a little to allow yourself to hear be...tter and listen for traffic you cannot see. Turning off the radio will also decrease distractions and make it easier to hear.
3 ) Put lights on Low Beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and will actually impair visibility. It is vital that you check all your lights work because they help other drivers see your vehicle. Keep your windscreen and headlights clean, to reduce the glare and increase visibility. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if poor visibility is due to fog or moisture on the windscreen.
4 ) If for any reason you need to pull off the road make sure you pull completely off the road in a safe position, or as safe as possible. Turn off your driving lights and turn on your hazard lights so others know you're there but won't think you are driving on the road.
Fog is one of the greatest threats when driving on the road. It is very easy for an accident involving one car to quickly involve many others: http://news.sky.com/…/sheppey-crash-100 -cars-collide-on-bri…
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We are here to help train you to be able to control skids on the road, but skidding isn't the only problem the bad weather can cause! If your car was to break down on the road would you be prepared?
Here's a handy checklist of items to keep in your car for the winter months:
1 ) Ice Scraper... 2 ) De-Icer 3 ) Screen Wash 4 ) Torch 5 ) High Visibility Jacket 6 ) Shovel 7 ) Bottled Water 8 ) Hot Drink 9 ) Snacks 10 ) Thermal Blanket
Make sure you're prepared!
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Make sure you are prepared and in control on the roads! I think a Skid Control Course is a great way to prepare for it! ;)