Winter can present additional challenges for drivers, especially when using a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV). Cold temperatures, icy roads, and reduced visibility mean it’s important to take extra care to ensure every journey is safe and comfortable.
Whether you’re heading out for everyday travel or a longer trip, these winter driving safety tips will help you stay prepared and confident when driving a WAV during the colder months.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle Before You Set Off
One of the most important winter driving safety tips is to make sure your vehicle is properly prepared before you begin your journey. Allow for extra time to prepare your vehicle before you set off:
- Check tyre tread depth and tyre pressure regularly
- Ensure lights, indicators, and windscreen wipers are fully working
- Top up screen wash with a winter-grade solution
- Check battery health, as cold weather can affect performance
All Angel Vehicle Hire WAVs are fully serviced and safety checked, but these simple checks can provide extra peace of mind.
2. Take Extra Care with Ramps and Lifts
Wheelchair ramps and lifts can become slippery in cold or wet conditions. Ice, frost, or snow can reduce grip and increase the risk of slips.
To reduce risk:
- Clear any frost, ice or snow before use
- Use anti-slip mats where possible
- Allow extra time when deploying ramps or lifts
- Use steady movements and good grip gloves, especially in wet conditions
Moving slowly and carefully helps keep everyone safe and comfortable.
3. Allow More Time for Your Journey
One of the most overlooked winter driving tips is simply allowing extra time. Roads can be slower in poor weather, and additional care may be needed when loading or unloading.
Planning ahead can help:
- Choose routes you know well
- Avoid busy periods where possible
- Build in extra time so there’s no need to rush
A relaxed journey is always safer, particularly in winter.
4. Drive Smoothly and Gently
When roads are wet, icy or uneven, smooth driving makes a real difference.
- Accelerate and brake gently
- Leave a larger gap between vehicles
- Reduce speed in poor conditions
- Avoid sudden steering movements
Smooth, controlled driving is one of the most effective winter driving safety tips for maintaining control and protecting passengers.
5. Keep Passengers Comfortable and Warm
Cold weather can affect comfort, particularly for wheelchair users who may be more sensitive to low temperatures. Keeping the vehicle warm supports both comfort and wellbeing:
- Pre-heat the vehicle before setting off
- Ensure heating and ventilation systems are working correctly
- Bring blankets or extra layers if needed
- Keep drinks warm on longer journeys
Comfort plays an important role in overall safety, especially on longer winter trips.
6. Carry a Few Winter Essentials
It’s always reassuring to have a small winter kit in your wheelchair accessible vehicle, just in case conditions change.
Useful items include:
- De-icer and ice scraper
- A torch
- Warm clothing or blankets
- A mobile phone charger
- Bottled water
Being prepared can help you feel more confident on winter journeys.
7. Know When Not to Travel
Sometimes, the safest decision you can make is to delay or cancel a journey altogether. If severe weather warnings are in place, or road conditions are particularly icy, flooded, or unpredictable, it’s important to take a step back and reassess your plans.
Winter conditions can change quickly, so keeping an eye on local weather forecasts and travel updates can help you make informed decisions. If visibility is poor or roads are unsafe, postponing your journey may help prevent unnecessary risk and stress.
Prioritising safety over convenience is always the right choice. Allowing extra flexibility in winter gives you peace of mind and helps ensure that when you do travel, you can do so safely, comfortably, and with confidence.
Supporting Safe Winter Travel with Angel Vehicle Hire
At Angel Vehicle Hire, we understand how important reliable, safe transport is all year round. Our wheelchair accessible vehicles are carefully maintained and designed to support safe travel in all seasons.
If you’re planning winter journeys and would like advice on choosing the right WAV, our friendly team is always here to help. Contact us today to discuss your needs or make an enquiry.
