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Winter travel advice

Winter weather can make our usual journeys more difficult. However, there's plenty of advice available on how to stay safe when you're out and about.

Police Scotland and Traffic Scotland have information on winter road safety and being prepared for travel during winter, and Road Safety Scotland have an information leaflet with advice on driving in bad weather.

Before you set out, plan ahead - check the weather forecast, traffic updates and travel information in case of any disruption or delays - and make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. Tell someone where and when you're going, and when you expect to arrive.

If you're driving, keep your fuel tank at least one quarter full in case of delays, and have an emergency kit in your car including an ice-scraper, de-icer, blanket or warm clothes, a shovel, torch, snacks and bottled water.

Make sure your windscreen, other windows and mirrors are all clear of ice and snow. Also remove snow from your car roof, as it can slide over the windscreen once you're moving.

If you're a pedestrian, dress for the weather and consider wearing reflective or bright coloured clothing to help increase your visibility. If you're wearing a hat, scarf around your ears or earphones, these can muffle sounds, like traffic. So make sure you take extra care when crossing the road and are aware of what's going on around you. And don't be distracted by using your mobile phone.

Cyclists should always have good quality front and rear lights and wear reflective clothing. Make sure your helmet is correctly fitted and consider investing in an extra light in your helmet.

Winter driving advice

Page last updated:
15 Nov 2023

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