Winter Driving Tips

The snow's a comin'! Yodel asked Ian McKeller, an advanced driver trainer registered with the Driving Standards Agency in the UK for his tips on staying safe on the mountain roads this winter.

Ian runs skid prevention courses in the UK and in Morzine so we asked him - how does a skid happen?

'A vehicle skids when one or more of the tyres loses normal grip on the road, causing involuntary movement of the vehicle. This happens when the grip of the tyres on the road becomes less than the force or forces acting on the vehicle.

A two-wheel drive vehicle with winter tyres will outperform a 4x4 with normal tyres. Snowchains are essential as the local police may insist you fit them before ascending to Les Gets, Morzine and Avoriaz. Know how to fit them.

You're at risk of skidding on snow, ice and heavy rain while driving in the Alps in the winter. But remember - wet mud, damp leaves & oil cause sudden slippery patches too. Look out for cold spots in shaded areas such as under trees where black ice can form. A change in road surface & worn road surfaces can also cause your car to skid.'

How can we avoid skids?

Leave plenty of room for manoeuvre, reduce speed and increase the distance you allow for stopping. On slippery roads a vehicle can take up to 10 times the normal stopping distance.

Use a higher gear in slippery conditions to avoid wheel spin, especially when moving off or travelling at low speeds.

On slippery roads aim to brake, steer, accelerate, and change gear as smoothly as possible, so that the grip off the tyres is not broken.

Avoid speed or acceleration, which is excessive for the road surface.

Steer in the direction you wish to go.

What should we do if we start to skid?

Release the accelerator and steer to correct the direction of the car. This is usually sufficient to prevent the skid developing further.

Depress the clutch to remove the drive from the wheels and steer to correct the direction of the car.

Do not declutch if the car is fitted with traction control.

When it is safe to re-engage the drive, use the accelerator to match the engine speed with the road speed and release the clutch very smoothly.

There are different types of skids. Here's how to avoid them!

Rear wheel skid...

As soon as you feel the back of the car swing out, remove the cause of the skid.
Release the accelerator OR declutch & release the accelerator.
Do NOT declutch if the vehicle has traction control.
Steer in the direction of the skid until the rear stops sliding and tyres regain grip.
Gently steer the car back on course. Do NOT over react or the vehicle may skid in the opposite direction.
When safe to do so, gently apply power.

Front wheel skid...

As soon as you feel the vehicle starting to under steer, remove the cause of the skid.
Release the accelerator OR declutch & release the accelerator.
Do NOT declutch if the vehicle has traction control.
The natural reaction is to continue to steer vigorously to regain the original course.
BUT - if the circumstances permit, steer in the direction of the skid to allow the tyres to regain grip. Once this happens, steer the vehicle back on course.

Four wheel skid...

Usually the result of excessive or sudden braking.
Release the brake, EXCEPT in vehicles fitted with ABS.
Release the accelerator OR declutch & release the accelerator.
Do NOT declutch if the vehicle has traction control. Allow the wheels to rotate and the tyres to regain their grip. At the same time steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
When safe to do so gently apply power.

REMEMBER if your speed is excessive you may not have time and road space to regain control

Ten things to remember when driving on mountain roads in the winter…

1 - Concentrate at all times

2 – Observe far ahead

3 – Keep your speed low

4 – Always be aware of the level of grip

5 – Understand the systems on your vehicle

6 – Be aware of the limitations of your vehicle

7 – Be smooth and gentle

8 – Always be able to stop on your own side of the road in the distance you can see to be clear

9 – Always carry a shovel

10 – Take suitable training – there are many skid pad centres in the UK for you to practice on before coming out to the Alps

Ian McKeller is an advanced driver trainer and the director of the Avoriaz Alpine Ski School. For more information you can contact Ian on ukfleetdriving@aol.com or admin@avoriazalpineskischool.com