As freezing temperatures grip the UK, the AA has issued crucial winter driving guidance to help motorists stay safe. The motoring organisation is urging drivers to keep a common household item in their vehicle at all times during the colder months, highlighting its potential value in an emergency.
Essential Winter Driving Guidance
The AA's advice, released on 9 January 2026, stresses that roads become significantly more dangerous in winter due to snow, ice, and sleet. Their top recommendation is for drivers to reduce their speed, as stopping distances can be up to ten times longer on icy surfaces compared to normal conditions.
"Gentle manoeuvres and slow speeds are key to safe driving on ice and snow," the AA stated. They also warned against driving while feeling unwell or taking medication that causes drowsiness, as this can severely impact reaction times.
The Vital Item and What To Do If You Get Stuck
A key piece of advice focuses on what to do if your car becomes trapped. Instead of accelerating hard, which often worsens the situation, the AA recommends a different approach. Straighten your steering wheel and clear snow from around your tyres.
Then, use a simple household item to aid your escape: place a sack or an old rug in front of the driving wheels. This provides the tyres with the extra grip needed to get moving again.
Pre-Journey Checklist and Driver Tips
Planning is paramount for winter travel. The AA suggests allowing an extra 10 minutes before you set off to thoroughly de-ice your vehicle. Their pre-departure checklist includes:
- Planning your route using major roads, which are more likely to be gritted.
- Wearing comfortable, dry shoes to prevent your feet slipping on the pedals.
- Keeping your fuel tank at least a quarter full in case of unexpected delays.
- Clearing all windows completely with a scraper and de-icer before driving.
- Checking your vehicle's handbook if you drive an automatic, as some have a specific winter mode.
The organisation also recommends carrying a winter emergency kit in your car, which should include an ice scraper, de-icer, a torch with spare batteries, and a first aid kit.
Wisdom from the Road: Experiences from Other Drivers
Sharing advice on platforms like Reddit, experienced motorists have added their own hard-learned lessons. One user warned: "Manually pull your wipers free from the icy windshield by hand - if you turn them on while frozen, you'll break the motor."
Another recounted a costly mistake: "I turned the engine off to save fuel in a snow queue but left the heater on and killed the battery." They ended up stranded for three hours. A third driver recommended investing in a windscreen cover to save time on frosty mornings and reduce interior condensation.
By following this expert and community advice, drivers can significantly improve their safety and preparedness during the challenging winter months on UK roads.
