Be Winter-Ready: Simple Steps That Could Save Your Life on the Roads

With winter taking hold and the statistics on winter breakdowns having risen, Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, shares her experiences and explains in her own words how being winter ready when driving could save your life.

Recently I took a call from my daughter, who lives just 15 minutes away. She was worried about driving to work because the roads near her were already turning white and the snow was falling heavily. She asked what it was like where I lived - and at that moment it was perfectly clear: no snow, dry roads, blue skies.

But within ten minutes everything changed. The weather closed in, visibility dropped and the landscape was transformed. That sudden shift was a stark reminder that winter conditions can change rapidly and without warning, and why every journey, even the familiar ones, requires preparation. Many collisions in winter are not caused by reckless driving but by ordinary motorists caught out by sudden changes in road conditions.

As Police and Crime Commissioner and national roads-policing lead, I hear constantly from officers and residents about the challenges winter brings. From stranded drivers and icy rural lanes to breakdowns in freezing temperatures, most incidents share a common theme: they could have been prevented with a little extra planning.

With winter now taking hold, here are practical steps -echoing National Highways’ Safe T.R.I.P. campaign and TyreSafe guidance- that every driver should adopt to stay safe on the roads.

Why preparation matters

• Winter breakdowns on major roads have risen by 22% in the past five years.
• Tyre-related issues remain the number one cause of winter breakdowns.
• Weather conditions contribute to around 14% of fatal or serious road collisions in the UK each year.
• Stopping distances in snow or ice can increase by up to ten times.

These statistics are not just numbers -they represent avoidable tragedies.

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1.   Follow the T.R.I.P. check before every journey

• ‍T— Top Up: Ensure your vehicle has plenty of fuel or, for electric vehicles, adequate charge, allowing for diversions or delays. Top up screenwash with freeze-resistant fluid and check oil, coolant and anti-freeze.
• ‍R— Rest: Fatigue reduces reaction times, especially in long night drives, fog or heavy rain. Build in rest stops on longer routes.
• ‍I— Inspect: Check tyre tread (legal minimum 1.6mm but aim for 3mm), air pressure and condition. Make sure lights work, wipers are effective and your windscreen is fully cleared before moving off.
• ‍P— Prepare: Carry a winter-ready kit:  warm clothing, blanket, high-visibility jacket, warning triangle, de-icer, scraper, torch, charger/power bank, water, snacks, first-aid kit, jump leads and a small shovel for rural areas.

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‍2.   Check weather forecasts and traffic alerts before you set off

 Winter conditions can vary sharply even a few miles apart, as my daughter and I discovered. Before travelling:

• Check traffic alerts, accidents and road closures.
• Review Met Office warnings for snow, ice or freezing fog.
• Stick to main roads where possible, as they are more likely to be gritted.
• If conditions worsen, delay or reconsider your journey.

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3.   Prioritise visibility — the biggest winter risk

• ‍Low winter sun: The sun sits low in the sky, creating dangerous glare, particularly on wet surfaces. Always keep sunglasses in the car and ensure your windscreen (inside and out) is spotless.
• Night-time headlight glare: Modern LED headlights and wet roads can dazzle even experienced drivers. If you are sensitive to glare, consider anti-glare night-driving glasses. Keep your windscreen clean and avoid looking directly into oncoming lights

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4.   Drive to the conditions

• In winter, drive for the weather — not the clock.
• Reduce speed and leave significantly more space.
• Brake early and accelerate gently.
• Expect black ice on bridges, shaded bends and rural roads.
• Avoid harsh steering or sudden manoeuvres.

5.   Plan ahead and let someone know your route

• If travelling in severe weather, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to arrive. Build in extra time and never feel pressured to take risks.

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Winter driving doesn’t have to be daunting - but it does demand respect. The weather can change in minutes, but with preparation, patience and the right equipment you can make sure every journey ends safely.

Stay Prepared.   Stay Visible.   Stay Winter-Ready.   Stay Resilient

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