Winter Driving in Ice & Snow

Winter driving can involve snow and ice conditions; a vehicle is affected by the cold and snow and should be well-prepared.

Drivers in Holland can expect to encounter heavy rain, fog, glazed frost, heavy frost and snow. 

Breakdowns

In case of an vehicle breakdown, the Royal Dutch Touring Club/ANWB can be called for assistance. Their yellow vehicles patrol most of the major roads in Holland. 

• Royal Dutch Touring Club/ANWB
  Tel: 0800 08 88 (only from within Holland)
  Website (in Dutch)

Traffic Conditions

• Live traffic information can be found on the Royal Dutch Touring Club website: Click here (in Dutch)

The red sections indicate slow-moving traffic, white sections indicate free-flowing traffic and the light blue sections indicate that conditions are unknown.

Precautions for Driving in Ice and Snow 

Even if there is no snow on the road be aware of the temperatures, black ice can linger all day in sheltered places, causing hazardous driving conditions. If the temperature is below freezing ice may melt if it is exposed to the sun, and vice versa, ice that is not exposed to the sun will not melt even though the temperature may be above freezing.

• Plan the route and check the weather and traffic before leaving
• Even if it is not snowing, check for wind; in exposed areas the wind can blow enough snow across the road to close the route
• Try to keep the fuel tank full; if a road is closed a diversion may be necessary
• Most major garages supply and fit snow tyres. These are specially adapted with a thicker tread and improved performance in cold conditions 
• Snow chains are relatively inexpensive but are invaluable. Before the trip, read the instructions and do a trial run of putting them on. Keep a pair of gloves with the chains; hands get cold very quickly
• Always reduce speed in bad weather 
• Drive with lights on (low/dipped lights on if driving in snow)
• When driving in snow, try to drive in as high a gear as possible to avoid wheel spin
• When driving in snowy conditions, it is imperative to drive slowly and leave plenty of room between vehicles. Avoid sudden movements of the steering wheel and sudden acceleration and deceleration
• If it is necessary to brake quickly while driving in the snow, pump the brakes quickly (even on vehicles with Anti-lock Braking Systems) to maintain control
• If, when braking in the snow, the vehicle begins to skid, turn into the skid and stop braking. This may allow the driver to regain control of the vehicle
• In very cold weather, park indoors if possible. Otherwise, park facing downhill leaving the car in gear and with the handbrake off (it can freeze)
• In the winter time, always keep a blanket, food and water in the vehicle

Precautions for Driving in Fog

As fog can alter the perception of speed and distance, it is important to slow down and drive more defensively.

• Drive with lights on, and if visibility is very poor, use fog lights.
• Use the windshield wipers to clear accumulated mist off of the windscreen. 
• Check the speedometer occasionally as fog can distort the perception of speed and the vehicle could be going much faster than it seems.

Further Information

• For some useful driving tips on driving in snow or fog see website DriversDomainUK