Firestyle Magazine Issue 2 - Winter 2015 | Page 43

Never lose sight of the fact that your journey starts sooner than you think. If your car is kept on the street, remember to approach with caution. Many nasty injuries can result from slipping on the ice as you near the car. Always hold the car key pointing away from your body. As for door locks – the butane lighter is handy, but be careful not to burn your fingers. Some older motorists wrap their cars in a blanket: always remember to remove it before driving off. That old dodge of putting newspaper under the windscreen wipers is not so effective if temperatures really plummet, because it can freeze to the screen. Much better to train some cats to sleep on the car (easier to do if your car has a catalytic converter): there again, in severe weather, fur can freeze to metal so this is not failsafe advice. Seasonal snowfalls can bring out children eager to play, slide, and toboggan – and quite often they can be heedless of road safety and the fact that toboggans have no brakes. That ‘something’ out of the corner of your eye could be a sledge hurtling towards you uncontrollably. But if you hear jingling bells don’t be alarmed: it’s just a jolly man in a red suit going about his business. And beware packs of foxes chasing hounds across country roads, with eco-warriors in attendance shouting Holly Tal! Holly Tal! It’s unlikely that many of us will experience the extreme hazard of being trapped in a blizzard. But if you are, and have used your mobile phone to call for help, and are powerless to do anything but wait – remember – hearty singing is an excellent way of keeping one’s spirits up. What’s more, it doesn’t drain your battery. Distress flares should be considered too. They come in convenient sizes but should not be kept in any situation where an accidental discharge could wreak havoc. (You might wish to consult with your local Health and Safety Officer before taking this step). Don’t forget that keeping nutritious snacks in the car is a good idea. They keep energy levels high and help you stay alert. Where ‘winter’ is concerned the figure must take second place: better to munch than crunch! Many motorists have asked whether winter brings a greater threat of terrorist activity; but I understand that this is not the case. The terrorist threat unfortunately remains in force throughout the year. However, it’s small consolation to know that winter will not increase the threat in any way – but customary vigilance must be exercised at all times. If you see someone with a hosepipe spraying water over the road in icy conditions, remember, he might just be a farmer swilling away mud for your safety and not a terrorist. Four-by-four drivers may feel an air of smugness pervade their cabs in winter, but even though these vehicles are highly appropriate for hazardous conditions, due care and attention is still essential at all times, and courtesy should be extended to other road users – especially if they’re stuck and you’re not. When the weather gets cold some motorists are alarmed that there is too much steam coming from their exhaust: be assured that in these conditions this is perfectly natural. Just as people produce ‘frosty’ breath, so do exhaust pipes. So there you have it. In the end, when the robins have their overcoats on it’s time to think ‘protective driving’. Remember – concentration, anticipation, and acclimatisation to the conditions, hold the key to successful winter driving. As for motorcyclists: my advice is simply – DO