With very cold weather, rain, snow and icy conditions affecting parts of South Africa, motorists are being urged to take extra care on the roads, particularly during early morning and evening journeys and when travelling through high-lying areas.

The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for very cold conditions, disruptive rainfall and snowfall in parts of the country, with potentially hazardous conditions on some roads and mountain passes.

Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says motorists should not underestimate how quickly winter weather can change driving conditions.

Black ice

“One of the biggest risks is black ice because it can be extremely difficult to see. The road may simply look wet, when in fact it is covered by a thin layer of ice.”

Black ice can form when temperatures drop below freezing, particularly on bridges, overpasses, shaded sections of road and in exposed or high-altitude areas. While it is more commonly associated with countries that experience prolonged freezing conditions, South African motorists can encounter it during severe cold snaps, particularly in colder inland and high-lying regions.

Where motorists should be particularly cautious

Ranft advises motorists to be especially alert when travelling on:

•              Bridges and overpasses, which can freeze before other road surfaces

•              Shaded sections of road, where temperatures remain lower

•              Mountain passes and high-altitude roads

•              Wet-looking roads where there is little or no spray from other vehicles, which may indicate ice

•              Early morning and late evening, when temperatures are at their lowest

•              Roads where rain, sleet or snow has been followed by freezing temperatures

“If you see frost on your windscreen, don’t assume that the road is simply wet,” says Ranft. “It is a warning that icy conditions may also be present on the road, particularly in exposed or shaded areas.”

If you hit ice, don’t panic

If motorists suspect they are driving on ice or another slippery surface, Ranft says the most important thing is to remain calm and avoid sudden inputs.

He advises motorists to:

•              Slow down gradually and avoid sudden movements

•              Avoid harsh braking, acceleration or sudden steering

•              Increase the following distance substantially

•              Keep headlights on when visibility is poor

•              Avoid using cruise control on icy or slippery roads

•              Follow official weather and road-condition warnings, particularly when travelling through mountain passes

•              If conditions become dangerous, find a safe place to stop rather than continuing unnecessarily

“On an icy surface, sudden braking or steering can cause the vehicle to lose grip very quickly,” says Ranft. “The key is to reduce your speed, increase your following distance and make all your inputs as smooth as possible.”

Snow and heavy rain bring their own risks

Icy conditions are not the only concern. Snow and heavy rain can reduce visibility, make road surfaces slippery and create standing water, increasing the risk of a vehicle losing traction.

“Motorists also need to be aware of standing water and reduced visibility during heavy rain,” says Ranft. “Worn tyres can make these conditions considerably more dangerous because they may not be able to disperse water effectively.”

He says motorists should avoid driving through deep or fast-moving water where possible and should never assume that a familiar road will remain safe simply because they have travelled it many times before.

Is your vehicle ready for the cold?

Ranft says motorists should also check that their vehicles are prepared for the conditions before setting out.

“Your tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers are your first line of defence when roads are wet, icy or visibility is poor,” he says. “If any of these are not performing properly, the risk increases considerably.”

“Tyres deserve particular attention in these conditions. Correct tyre pressure and sufficient tread are essential for maintaining grip and controlling water on wet roads,” says Ranft.

Finally, Ranft urges motorists to plan ahead when severe weather is forecast.

“Check the weather and road conditions before you leave, allow extra travelling time and don’t take unnecessary risks,” he says. “If snow, ice or heavy rain is making conditions unsafe, delaying a journey may be the safest decision you can make.”

He adds that motorists should also ensure their phones are charged, have sufficient fuel or battery charge and, when travelling longer distances, let someone know their route and expected arrival time.

“Winter weather doesn’t give you much room for error. A few minutes spent checking your vehicle and the road conditions before leaving can make a significant difference to your safety,” concludes Ranft.