The Winter period is a time where you should certainly drive safer and be more cautious of the paths ahead. Although we don't mean to point out the obvious, here's some tips on how to do that correctly.
Stay visible
When the nights are longer and the days are greyer, of course you still want to travel around. Make sure that you are wearing high visibility clothing and using your LED lights to let other road or pavement users know that you're there.
Beware of ice
Everyone knows the dangers of black ice and that we need to be more cautious of what is ahead on the path, but it cannot be overstated that icier conditions are something you should be avoid driving in whenever possible. If the weather has been particularly cold and ice warnings are on the telly, it is best to avoid journeys that are not necessary.
Also beware that a mistake made by a car or even pedestrian could force you into a crash any time and that the highest level of vigilance doesn't guarantee a safe journey.
Always check before leaving the house
Whenever planning a journey, check your mobility scooter or powerchair for damage and wear and tear. This means the tyre pressure and treads, as well as batteries and checking that lights are working.
More guidance on maintaining your mobility scooter/powerchair can be found in the link below.
Maintaining Your Mobility Scooter or Powerchair Throughout Winter
Weather
In the Winter months it's important to keep an eye on the weather and know what to expect for the day ahead. Always err on the side of caution, as we all know how unpredictable British weather can be.
Make sure you stay warm when outside as well, one thing that's worth checking is not only the temperature but also what temperature it 'feels like' - which is included in most weather apps or websites - as the wind or humidity can make you feel a lot colder.
Stay dry
Make sure you keep your mobility scooter or powerchair dry whenever you can, if you plan to take many journeys in the rain then consider using a rain cover and ensure you wipe your scooter/powerchair dry when back inside.
In the Winter months you should be extra careful of this as moisture can cause your components to freeze and may cause irreversible damage.
Plan ahead
Emergency kit
We recommend carrying an emergency kit of things (hand warmers, a torch, a compact tyre pump and first aid kit etc.) whenever travelling, but during Winter this is even more important.
Choose the right path
Ensure that whilst driving along you are looking at your routes and making sure that you pick the best path to go across. In Winter, more popular roads or pathways will be better maintained and generally safer to drive on.
Don't expect the same as normal
Journeys that you may be very familiar with can change rapidly in Winter, mostly in the terrain so prepare for the road ahead to be more dangerous than usual.
Summary
The last thing we want to do in Winter is be stuck indoors and missing out on regular activities so it's best to be prepared on how to drive safely. If you have any questions about this guide or in general, feel free to give us a call.
01572 755204
Author
Joe Johnson-Copas
