‘Everyday Mistakes’ – Winter Driving Safety

Even good drivers can be caught out. 

As daylight fades and the weather turns, the roads you know best can quickly change. Rain, glare, wet leaves and longer nights all make it harder to see, stop and react. 

Most collisions aren’t caused by deliberate recklessness – they’re caused by ordinary people making everyday mistakes. A missed glance. A rushed turn. A moment of distraction. 

The Constabulary’s ‘Everyday Mistakes’ campaign is about recognising those moments before they happen. 

Why winter driving needs extra care: 

Visibility drops earlier and faster – headlights, reflections and glare distort what you see. 

Road surfaces change – rain, mud and frost reduce grip and increase stopping distances. 

Familiar routes feel safe – but complacency on 30 mph roads can lead to serious collisions. 

Other road users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are harder to spot in low light. 

Taking a little more time and leaving enough space makes a big difference.

Simple ways to stay safer this winter:

Take a second look

Before pulling out at a junction or roundabout, pause and look again. That extra second could prevent a collision. 

Don’t take chances

Feeling pressure from the car behind? Hold your ground and trust your judgement. Their impatience lasts seconds – your decision could last a lifetime. 

Slow down in the rain

Rain changes what you see and how you react. Increase your distance between you and the vehicle ahead - and keep your lights, windows and mirrors clean. 

Give people space

Leave plenty of room for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. If you can’t see past safely, wait for a clear view. It’s easy to feel frustrated when you’re held up. But overtaking too soon is one of the most common mistakes that can lead to serious collisions.  

Stay focused

A “quick glance” at a phone or radio takes your eyes off the road for vital seconds. Stay focused until you stop. 

Prepare your car

Check tyres, lights, wipers and washer fluid regularly. Clear your windscreen fully before you set off. 

Had a “that was close!” moment before?  

Most drivers rate themselves highly – that’s what makes everyday mistakes so easy to make. Confidence can cloud caution.  

That feeling of “that was close” sticks with you for a reason. You were lucky this time, but might not be the next… 

Take the extra look. Leave extra space. Wait until it is clear. 

Good drivers won’t take chances. Every drive matters.