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Staying Safe in the Snow

Published 9th Mar 2023

The Met Office have issued an ‘amber’ warning for snow in North Yorkshire.

You may have noticed a ‘flurry’ of snow this morning (Thursday, 9 March) and it is believed there have been no major issues on the county’s roads.

However, the majority of the snow isn’t due to fall until this afternoon, around 3pm, to be precise.

This is likely to continue falling into this evening and overnight into tomorrow morning (Friday, 10 March).

It is worth noting any journeys you made this morning, may be very different to those you make this afternoon – for example if you travelled to work, your journey home may be more challenging.

If possible, and your job allows, it may be worth working from home before the snow arrives.

Those who will need to travel, we ask they consider the following:

Before you travel

  • Allow extra time for your journey
  • Check ahead for any road closures or delays – the Traffic England website is an excellent way to do this
  • Pack warm clothing and, if you have one, a sleeping bag and torch, in case you become stranded. A flask with a hot drink, some water and snack are also a good idea.
  • Keep your phone charged and carry a fully charged batter pack
  • Ensure you fully remove any snow or ice from your vehicle
  • Check your wipers and switch off any auto wiper control before turning on the ignition
  • Check your tyres for adequate tread – poor tyres will not grip when driving on snow and ice
  • Wear comfortable, dry and suitable footwear – be prepared for leaving the vehicle quickly
  • Pack sunglasses as these can reduce the glare of low winter sun on the snow
  • We also recommend downloading the What3Words location app

While driving

  • Accelerate gently, use low revs and change up to a higher gear as quickly as possibly
  • Move off in second gear as this will help reduce wheel slip
  • Maintain a safe stopping distance from the vehicle in front, leaving as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap
  • If travelling uphill, use a l
  • ow gear and avoid braking unless necessary, make sure you leave plenty of room between you and the car in front
  • When approaching a bend, break before you start to turn the steering wheel. If your car does lose grip try to stay calm, take your foot off the accelerator and make sure your wheels are pointing in the direction you want to go in
  • If you do skid, steer gently into it – keep your hands on the steering wheel and do not stamp your foot on the brake
  • When driving in heavy snow, make sure you use your dipped headlights. Don’t rely on daytime running lights as they do not always put your rear lights on
  • If visibility drops below 100m, use your fog lights – but remember to turn them off when the visibility improves
  • If the road has not been gritted, take extra care when driving in the wheel-tracks of other vehicles as compressed snow is likely to be my icy than fresh snow
  • Those who live or work in areas which are prone to high snowfall may benefit from purchasing winter tyres, snow chains or snow socks

There is likely to be disruption to other modes of transport such as air, rail and boat so it is worth checking ahead before you begin your journey

If you are walking near or crossing roads, please be aware road users may not be able to stop as quickly as usual and their visibility may be reduced.

Power cuts and loss of utilities are more likely to happen in adverse weather conditions, so it is important to prepare for this too, here are some simple tips to do this:

  • Keep a torch and spare batteries at home
  • Have blankets and warm clothing to hand
  • Keep your mobile phone charged and any battery packs you may have
  • Turn off any appliances which should not be left unattended when switched on, such as cookers and microwaves – you never know when then power may be switched back on
  • Some people may wish to leave a light switched on so they know when the power has come back on
  • Check on any elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives

Some further links which you may find helpful:

Please stay warm, stay safe and remember, in the nicest possible way, we hope you don’t need us, but if you do, we are only one call away.