Take extra care driving in “Baltic Britain”: practical winter van driving tips

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Published: 25 Mar 2026 | Last reviewed: 25 Mar 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team

Snow, frost and black ice can turn a normal run into a high-risk journey — especially for vans that stop often, carry weight, or travel early and late when temperatures are lowest.

If you can delay a trip until conditions improve, do. If you can’t, use the checklist below to reduce risk and avoid the most common winter mistakes.

Before you set off: plan like winter will slow you down

National Highways and the Met Office both emphasise planning and preparation:

• Check the forecast and warnings, and consider delaying if snow or ice is expected.
• Plan your route and check for closures or delays (especially higher routes).
• Check your van: lights, tyres, wipers and screenwash are basics that matter more in winter.
• Keep your fuel topped up (detours and slow traffic can burn more than you expect).

Clear the van properly (not a “peephole”)

The Highway Code’s adverse weather guidance is straightforward: you need clear visibility before moving off.

That means clearing:

• Windscreen (full sweep area)
• Side windows and mirrors
• Lights and number plates
• Snow from the roof (so it can’t slide forward and block your view)

On the road: drive for grip, not speed

Leave much more space

In icy and snowy conditions, the Highway Code warns stopping distances can be 10 times greater than on dry roads.

So instead of a fixed “10 seconds”, the better rule is: increase your following distance dramatically and avoid late braking.

Be gentle with inputs

The Met Office advises accelerating gently, using low revs, changing up early, and avoiding sudden braking that can lock wheels and trigger skids.

If you skid

The Highway Code advice is to remove the cause: ease off the accelerator (or release the brake if that caused it), and steer in the direction of the skid until you regain control.

Watch for black ice hotspots

Black ice is most likely where temperatures stay low and surfaces don’t dry: shaded areas, bridges, and stretches that look merely “wet”. Treat anything shiny or unusually quiet under the tyres as a warning sign.

If you get stuck: don’t dig yourself in

If wheels spin, ease off. Spinning can polish the snow/ice and make traction worse.

Met Office and National Highways both recommend being prepared (including carrying kit that helps you wait safely or recover traction).

• A shovel
• Grit/Sand or something to create traction
• Warm layers and gloves

Pack a winter kit (especially for long or rural routes)

A basic winter kit can make a breakdown or closure safer and less miserable. National Highways recommends packing a winter kit, and the Met Office provides detailed suggestions (including warning triangles, torches and blankets).

• Torch and batteries
• Warm blanket / extra clothing
• High-vis vest
• Phone charger / power bank
• Water and snacks
• Warning triangle(s) (used safely and appropriately)

Insurance relevance (kept realistic)

Winter driving increases risk and claims frequency, but the biggest win is preventing the incident in the first place: slower speed, bigger gaps, clear visibility, and proper preparation.

Sources

1. Highway Code — Driving in adverse weather conditions (226–237) and winter driving rules (includes icy/snowy guidance).
2. Highway Code — Icy and snowy weather (stopping distances can be 10x longer).
3. National Highways — Travelling in snow and ice (plan route, check forecast, winter kit, check vehicle).
4. Met Office — Travelling in heavy snow and ice / driving in severe weather (preparation and driving tips).
5. Met Office — Winter car kit (warning triangles, kit guidance).
6. Highway Code Rule 119 (skidding: ease off and steer into skid).

VanCompare Editorial Team

The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.

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