Driving
Driving in snow and ice is difficult and can be dangerous. Driving on narrow alpine roads is also difficult and can be dangerous. That’s why driving to and from skifields should be carried out with the utmost of care.
There are three main things to keep in mind when you are driving this ski season.
- Always drive to the (winter) conditions
- Ensure your car is maintained and is well-equipped
- Fatigue can kill so make sure you are rested.
Drive to the conditions
Winter is a challenging time to drive. Rain, cold, snow, wind all contribute to dicey road conditions and reduced visibility.
Reduce speed
That means you must drop your speed if the weather or road conditions are less than ideal. Remember, the speed limit is only telling you what’s the fastest you’re legally allowed to go, but often that will be much faster than the safe speed limit.
If it’s raining hard, windy, or snowing, it’s unlikely that doing 100km an hour on the open road will be safe, so slow down. Arriving a little late is immensely better than not arriving at all.
Cornering
In addition to being covered in snow and ice, most alpine roads are also narrow and winding. Of course you must also take extra care on corners and keep a close eye on your speed as you corner. Remember, if you can’t see what’s coming around the corner, they can’t see you either, so keep as far left as is safe.
Lights
Drive with your headlights dipped. For you that reduces the reflection the lights will have on falling snowflakes, which can severely reduce your forward vision. It also reduces your chances on blinding any drivers in oncoming vehicles.
Maintain your vehicle
While how your drive is a major factor in your ability to get to and from your day’s skiing in one piece, what you drive plays a major part. So spend some time – and money – making sure your vehicle is ship-shape.
Ask yourself: Does my car have a current warrant of fitness? Has it been recently serviced?
Are my tyres in good condition with no balding patches? Is the spare tyre all fixed and ready to be pressed into service? Have I filled up the anti-freeze?
Are the windscreen wipers working? Have I packed the set of tyre chains? Do I have an ice-scraper?
Fuel
Keep your fuel tank as full as possible to cut down in the amount of condensation that’s likely to accumulate and could freeze your fuel tank.
If you drive a diesel, remember that diesel freezes well before petrol does, so if beware once the temperatures dip below zero. Ask for advice from a service station on what you can use to keep your diesel firing.
Clear off snow
Completely clear your vehicle of falling snow, rather than just clearing off the windscreen.
Snow is heavy (it weighs nearly a kilogramme per litre) so a car that is covered in snow will not only use a lot more fuel, it also handles poorly. And if the residual snow slides down over the windscreen, it will obscure your vision and your windscreen wipers will be hard pushed to sweep it away.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a significant but avoidable killer on our roads. Driving after an active day on the slopes – and/or driving to the skifield after an early morning start – puts you at an elevated risk of fatigue.
Sleep, eat and drink well
So, ensure you are well-rested and aren’t already suffering from sleep deficit. Make sure you’ve eaten plentifully (but have avoided high-fat and high-sugar foods). Drink lots of water to stay hydrated – coffee and energy drinks will give you a short buzz but will dehydrate you.
Take a break
If you are feeling tired, pull over and take a break. Driving in winter conditions is hard work and even a twenty minute nap can do wonders for your energy levels and ability to concentrate. Or, if possible, swap drivers and let someone fresh take the wheel.
Alcohol
Surely it should go without saying – don’t indulge in any après ski alcohol. Tiredness, alcohol, winter conditions and winding roads readily combine into a potentially lethal cocktail.
