Tips for getting around in winter safely

Belgium is shivering and it is not over: the weather promises to be particularly wintery all week. If you have to move, you will have to be careful. From cars to bikes and scooters, here are Mobly’s tips for getting around comfortably and safely.

 

Every year, it’s the same old story: it freezes at night and you scratch in the morning.

It a necessary for your visibility and safety, but also to avoid a ticket. The Highway Code indicates that all drivers must be able to maintain control of their vehicle at all times and be able to perform the necessary maneuvers. In other words, it must ensure optimal peripheral visibility.

How to defrost the windows?

 

If your car is parked outside at night and you cannot protect the windshield with a specific tarp, never throw out cold or hot water. The temperature difference can cause cracks.

 

Another tip for fogging: it is better to spread a little shampoo on the inside of the windshield to prevent condensation on the inside before defogging. For efficient and rapid demisting, set the blower to the maximum and point it towards the windshield.

Check coolant and wiper fluid

 

Before starting, also check the coolant level as it protects your engine against freezing temperatures. Take the time to do the same with the wiper fluid: you will likely need additional wiper fluid, in part because of the road salt.

 

Watch out for braking

Once on the road, be careful when braking. Your braking distance increases considerably in winter and can reach up to 65 meters. Even with winter tires, the braking can extend up to 30 meters. As you approach a turn, anticipate so you don’t have to break. Shift down to reduce your speed and approach the turn smoothly with the cleanest trajectory possible, the best thing is to approach the inside of the turn late so as not to go too wide, on the outside of the road, and endanger someone opposite. A simple trick for driving on ice is to try to spot spots where the road is shiny, and to avoid them if possible. To avoid surprises, it is better not to drive behind a heavy vehicle in the absence of visibility.

 

Never approach a hidden summit too quickly so as not to be surprised by a too steep slope behind or a slow vehicle. Downshift early on the engine brake and approach the descent with gear below what you would normally use.

 

Walk

Put on diapers

To stay cool, start with a warm, moisture-wicking base layer. If you get too hot you can always take a layer off, but always take an extra layer just to be safe. Finish with a well-padded and/or waterproof top layer and something to increase visibility: a reflective vest or fluorescent clothing.

 

Prefer waterproof walking shoes

Wrong walking shoes can give you nasty back or joint pain. Not great … So if possible choose a waterproof model because once your feet are wet in cold weather, you will not be able to warm them. Always try on your new shoes a bit before going on a long hike.

 

Stroll? Consider bringing hiking poles

Winter weather can have an impact on slippage, whether on roads or in forests, meadows, or fields. Additional stability certainly can’t hurt. For this purpose, you can use hiking poles to prevent falls.

 

Think about your skin

Even if you dress warmly, there are still parts of your skin that are not covered. Make sure that your face, lips, or nose is not affected by a combination of cold, wind, and sun. If you are not wearing gloves, be careful with your hands as well. A lip balm or cream can work wonders.

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