Christmas starts here: how not to drive in snow.

It’s been snowing on the Kent Coast, though not to the extent that it has in other parts of the country. The DH and I have decided that a journey back to the Big Smoke is not necessary, particularly when The Little Darlings (aka PD and Dimples) have dreadful colds which keep them, and us, awake. So the Christmas break for us begins today. There are Christmas cards that remain unsent and handmade gifts, ready wrapped, that will have to wait until the new term to be given out. There are parcels that I won’t be at home to receive, including a personalised stocking for Dimples’ first Christmas. There are jobs I should have done. But here, where I am now, I have presents for my gorgeous baby girls, cupboards filled with food, a roaring log fire, and my family. So Christmas starts here.

My intrepid explorers

The Great British Seaside

Great British Optimism 1

Great British Optimism 2

Even if the car weren’t buried in six inches of snow on an icy road, I’d have an issue driving in snow. Travel plans across the country have been stymied by the weather, with conditions in Northern Ireland the worst for 25 years causing many to call for a review of the way that winter weather conditions are dealt with. I have only been driving for a few years, and never had any guidance during my lessons on how to deal with adverse weather conditions. Because of my severe SPD I didn’t drive last winter, so this is the first time I have ever had to drive in the snow. It has been quite nerve-wracking and I have been grateful for advice given by Mediocre Mum amongst others. Whilst I don’t know much, I am sure that those who were stranded overnight on roads up and down the country didn’t think it would happen to them. Which is why I have been surprised to see some of the following over the past few days. I’m fairly sure this is not the way to drive in the snow:

• drive faster so you spend less time on the road.
• assume that, because you have a 4×4 you have right of way.
• drive whilst using a mobile phone. It’s aginst the law, it’s distracting and it’s stupid.
• drive whilst smoking and using the mobile phone.
• don’t bother clearing the snow from your car, especially from the lights, mirrors and number plates.
• assume that because you are inside the car, you will be kept warm and therefore shouldn’t bother packing coats: you won’t stay very warm if you have to get out of the car for any reason.
• wear heels. Seriously.