Driving with slippery conditions and snow

Winter has arrived in the Netherlands. In addition to the cold and frost, snow has already fallen. When you have to hit the road in this weather, it can cause a bit more stress. We have listed some tips for you to drive as safely as possible during winter weather.

Tips for winter weather driving

With slipperiness and snow, it is important to be extra careful. In addition to good car insurance, it is important to be alert and drive at appropriate speeds. Also make sure you put more distance between you and your predecessor and don't change lanes unnecessarily.

• Get on the road prepared
  Make sure your car is winter-ready. You can do this by purchasing winter tires. In addition, it is important that you hit the road with clean windows. Good visibility is not only safer for everyone, but it will also save you a hefty fine. In this regard, you can use windshield washer fluid. When doing so, make sure you choose the blue variety during the winter. This will prevent the windows from freezing. In addition, use a good scraper to defrost the windows of your car. Do not limit the scratching to one part, but make sure the front and side windows are completely clean. Do not try to defrost your windows with hot water! The big difference in temperature can cause the window to crack.
• Leave on time
  Make sure you have enough time to get to your destination. Winter weather often causes traffic congestion and traffic jams. Because you have to drive at an appropriate speed, the drive will take longer than usual. It is important to take this into account so that it does not cause additional stress.
• Look far ahead
  If you look far ahead, you will almost automatically steer in the right line. In addition, looking far ahead allows you to react faster and better to everything that happens (far) ahead of you.
• Be careful when braking
  In some cases, it is better not to brake even though you would under normal weather conditions. When cornering, it is smarter to let off the gas and slow down instead of braking. It is also smart to calmly turn your handlebars in the right direction and not suddenly pull hard on your steering wheel.
  If you must make an emergency stop, do not pump your brakes. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) works only when brake pressure is high. ABS keeps the wheels spinning and not locking up. It is best to press the brake and clutch hard at the same time. You may hear strange noises or the brake pedal may vibrate, do not be alarmed by this.
• Pull up slowly
  If you are unable to pull up from a standstill in first gear, try pulling away in second gear. Be sure to use low throttle and let the clutch out very gently.

Good insurance

In addition, make sure you have good insurance. Have you taken out a good car insurance policy? Look carefully in the policy conditions to see what amount is paid out after an accident and how high your deductible is. In an accident in the Netherlands, it does not matter for liability purposes whether or not you have winter tires on your car.

Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact us!