How to drive in ice, snow and hail

Driving in hazardous conditions

20 November 2024

The Highway Code advises you shouldn’t drive in snowy or icy conditions unless you really have to. Not only will your visibility be worse, but you’ll have a poor grip on the road, and a list of hazards to watch out for. Even the most experienced drivers are at more risk of having an accident when the weather turns frosty.

If you really need to make a trip out in the ice, or it starts to snow while you’re out and about, we’ve compiled some do’s and don’ts to help you stay safe on the road: 

How to prepare to drive in snow and ice

We don’t recommend getting behind the wheel in bad weather. But if you do need to make a trip, there’s a few things you can do to make your journey a little safer:

  • Clear snow off your car. You might not see the harm in leaving a dusting of snow on your bonnet or roof, but when you drive this will obstruct other drivers’ views and could endanger both them and you.
  • Your license plates, headlights and brake lights should be clear, too. You could even end up with a fine or points on your licence if you don’t.
  • Pack an emergency kit. It’s always a good idea to keep some bottled water, blankets, and hi-vis clothing in your car in case you break down or get stuck. On a wintery road trip, you could find yourself waiting out in the cold for assistance.
  • Clear your windscreen thoroughly before you head off. Remove ice, demist windscreens and make sure you’ve topped up on screen wash with freeze protection. By keeping a clear windscreen, you’ll give yourself the best chance of spotting and avoiding hazards on your journey.
  • Remember, you shouldn’t leave your car unattended while you demist the windscreen – if you do, you won’t be covered for damage or theft with your Swiftcover car insurance.

How to drive in icy conditions

Ice can be tricky to see, and even trickier to drive over. Its glassy surface means your tyres are more likely to lose traction, and for your car to skid out of your control.

When temperatures drop, bring your speed down with it. To help avoid slipping on patches of ice, the Highway Code recommends low speeds and high gears.

Not only will you need to reduce your speed, but you’ll need to indicate and manoeuvre with plenty of time and space to spare. Brake gently to minimise your risk of skidding and increase your stopping distance. The Highway Code recommends leaving 10 times the distance you’d usually leave to brake.

How to drive in snowy conditions

While fresh snow is significantly more grippy than ice, once snow’s been compacted by car tyres it becomes slippy like ice. And just like driving on ice, you’ll need to slow down on snowy roads to stay in control of your car.

Not only can it cause you to slide, snow can build up and hide potholes or debris – both of which could damage your car if you hit them. Take care to drive around obstacles and snow drifts and leave plenty of space for other road users.

How to drive in hail

Hail showers appear quickly and have a serious impact on driving conditions right away. A hail shower will make it hard to see the road and other drivers around you – and it could obscure road markings and signs too. Setting your wipers to the highest speed to keep your windscreen as clear as possible.

Just like driving in snow and ice, slowing down to avoid skidding on hail is key. Brake gently when you need to, and steer well in advance of obstacles and hazards.

You’ll need to increase the gap you leave between you and the vehicle in front – and give vulnerable road users (like bikers and cyclists) more space than usual. Other road users might react to the bad weather in a way that becomes dangerous to those around them. Be prepared for other vehicles stopping suddenly or pulling over.

Most of the time hailstorms will pass as quickly as they arrive. If it’s safe to pull over, you won’t need to wait long for the hail to stop.