Driving instructor shares exact gap you should leave between cars in icy weather - Gloucestershire Live

A driving instructor has reminded drivers of the Highway Code rule for following distances during icy weather - and it's a lot longer than the normal two second rule

Multiple areas across the UK have experienced snow and icy weather this winter – with more on the way. Parts of the country are currently bracing itself for additional storms and weather warnings, including the 'Beast from the East' blizzard.

Given these cold winter conditions, it's important to understand what steps to take if you need to venture onto the winter roads. With wet and icy surfaces posing risks for any drivers, a driving instructor has encouraged motorists to refresh their knowledge of Highway Code Rules. This includes understanding the safe distance to maintain from the vehicle ahead of you on any bigger roads.

Driving instructor Annie shared crucial advice with her 1.2 million TikTok followers about adjusting your following distance when driving in freezing conditions.

In her brief video, she asked: "When you're driving on an icy road, how much gap should you leave between your car and the car in front of you?"

She highlighted that the Highway Code advises maintaining a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead during dry conditions. However, when roads are wet, this should be increased to four seconds, as stopping distances become longer.

Annie continued: "When it's icy, it's going to take you ages to stop. In fact, you shouldn't go out if you don't have to go out.

"When it's icy, you're going to leave a 20 second gap. That two is going to be ten times, so it's up to a 20 second gap between your car and the car in front of you."

For those studying for or who have completed their driving test, this means maintaining a gap ten times longer between your vehicle and surrounding cars during icy conditions.

The expert added: "Remember, if you don't need to go out on icy roads, then don't, it's pretty dangerous. But if you do need to go out, make sure you fully clear your windows, your lights, your mirrors, your roof, your bonnet, clear your car of snow."

Your entire vehicle should be snow and ice-free before you start driving, otherwise it could result in substantial fines and even collisions.

Annie concluded: "Remember, the snow can fly off the roof or the bonnet of your car onto your windscreen or onto somebody else's car, or onto somebody else."