Plan your journey
Check the weather forecast
Downloading a weather app on your smartphone is an invaluable tool for monitoring conditions at both your current location and destination.
- If heavy snow is forecast, you can decide whether your journey is essential or postpone it for safer conditions.
- If travel is unavoidable, you can prepare both yourself and your vehicle for the worst.
- With real-time updates, you can adjust your estimated arrival time based on worsening conditions, allowing for safer, more cautious driving.
Staying informed about the weather gives you a critical advantage in planning and adapting your journey, reducing risks and helping you stay safe on the road.
Check latest traffic report
In winter, relying solely on your sat nav can be risky, as it may not always update road closures or accidents in real time. To stay ahead, use live traffic monitoring tools to check road conditions before you set off.
Visit Highways England to access:
Live CCTV footage of major roads and motorways.
Average traffic speeds to gauge delays.
Real-time motorway alerts and messages to stay informed of hazards ahead.
By using these resources, you can plan a safer route, avoid unnecessary delays, and be fully prepared for your winter journey.
Plan your Route
In winter, road closures due to accidents, breakdowns, or severe weather are common, so it’s essential to have a backup plan before setting off.
- Your satnav will offer multiple route options—familiarise yourself with each one.
- Take note of service stations along all possible routes in case you need to stop for fuel, rest, or emergency supplies.
- Be prepared to reroute if necessary, as conditions can change rapidly.
By planning ahead, you’ll be able to adapt to unexpected road closures and make your journey as safe and stress-free as possible.
Changing your route
If traffic slows ahead, your satnav may suggest an alternative route, but in snowy conditions, it’s often safer to stay on your original main-road route.
- Motorways and A-roads are maintained by the Highways Agency, meaning they are more likely to be gritted, plowed, and safer to drive on.
- Back roads and rural routes are often untreated, increasing the risk of ice, snow buildup, and getting stuck.
- Before setting off, check alternative main roads to see if they are a viable backup, rather than blindly following a satnav’s suggestion.
Sticking to well-maintained roads improves your chances of a safer and smoother journey during winter weather.
GPS or Phone Sat Nav
Using a satnav is highly recommended for almost every journey, as it helps you avoid heavy traffic, navigate road closures, and estimate your arrival time—especially important when meeting someone.
Both dedicated GPS devices and smartphone navigation apps use satellites to determine your location, but smartphones also benefit from AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning System), which uses cell towers for added accuracy.
Each option has its pros and cons, so here are a few key factors to consider before choosing:
Dedicated GPS Devices
- More reliable in remote areas with poor mobile signal.
- No data usage, so no extra mobile charges.
- Designed specifically for navigation, with larger screens and fewer distractions.
Smartphone Sat Nav
- Uses real-time traffic updates for better route suggestions.
- Typically has more frequent software updates for new roads and map improvements.
- More convenient—most people always have their phone with them.
Both options can be useful, so consider your journey type, location, and connectivity needs before deciding which to rely on.
GPS
Positives
- Reduces distractions – You can store your phone in the glove box, keeping your focus on the road.
- Offline maps – GPS devices come preloaded with road maps, meaning no need for a data connection.
- No impact on phone battery or data usage – Ideal for long journeys.
- Longer lifespan – An older GPS device (with updated maps) will perform better than an aging smartphone.
Negatives
- Limited business listings – Finding a specific business address may require manually entering a postcode and street name.
- Map updates often cost extra – Unlike free updates on Google Maps or Apple Maps.
- Traffic updates may be limited – Some models don’t receive live traffic information.
- In-car GPS systems age quickly – Built-in systems can become outdated fast and are costly to upgrade.
GPS devices are a great choice for dedicated navigation, but they have limitations compared to modern smartphone apps with real-time data and live updates.
Smart Phone
Positives
- Up-to-date maps & real-time traffic information – Helps you avoid delays and road closures.
- Plan ahead – Set your destination before leaving home for a smoother journey.
- Easy address search – Quickly find businesses and locations without needing a postcode.
- Share your ETA – Let others know when to expect you with live tracking features.
Negatives
- Distractions – You might be tempted to use your phone for other tasks while driving.
- Signal-dependent – If you lose mobile signal, your map may stop loading unless you’ve downloaded offline maps.
- Small screen size – Looking at a phone screen can take your eyes off the road longer than a dedicated GPS device.
- Older phones may struggle – Slower performance and outdated software can impact navigation.
The Best of Both Worlds: Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
If you’re buying a new car, consider selecting Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These systems integrate your phone’s navigation onto your car’s infotainment screen, providing the benefits of smartphone maps with the safety of hands-free operation.
Allow extra time
Winter weather conditions like snow, sleet, fog, and heavy rain will inevitably slow you down. Not everyone on the road will be confident driving in these conditions, and you can only travel as fast as the traffic ahead allows.
Speeding is one of the main causes of winter accidents. If you’ve been delayed by traffic, don’t try to make up time by driving faster—it’s not worth the risk. Instead, adjust your ETA and focus on arriving safely rather than quickly.
Tiredness Kills
Driving in treacherous conditions can be much more tiring than in good weather, and fatigue can quickly affect your reaction times and decision-making. To stay alert and safe, make sure to take regular breaks at service stations along your route.
During your stop, you can:
- Stretch your legs and refresh yourself.
- Grab a coffee to re-energize.
- Check the weather updates to adjust your plans if needed.
- Update your ETA if there are delays.
Even a 5 to 10-minute break can reset your focus, helping you stay sharp and reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.