What to do if you get stuck behind a gritter

There’ll be plenty of gritter lorries out on the roads this winter – but what should you do if you're the unlucky motorist that ends up following one?

Our simple guide is here to help, so let's get into the nitty gritty.

First of all, if you're behind a gritter, give yourself some space.

The salt crystals are sprayed from the rear of the wagon at quite a force – being up close to the lorry’s tail could produce plenty of unwanted and expensive to repair stone chips on your bonnet.

Although local authorities grit roads to help melt ice and improve grip levels, be aware that driving behind a gritter truck with a high concentration of road salt being deployed could also reduce adhesion levels.

The grit acts like ball bearings, meaning less of your tyres’ rubber is in contact with the road, reducing steering response and braking performance.

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Be mindful that the truck’s salt sprayer is driven off its engine.

That means as it pulls away from a junction the mass of salt that has collected in the dispenser will be thrown all over your car as it moves off.

It’s even more important to leave extra room at a junction than in normal driving if you value your car’s paintwork.

There is a caveat, however. Gritters only generally distribute salt when their orange warning lights and ‘spreading’ signs are illuminated.

If they aren’t, you’re generally safe to follow them at a normal distance. Be wary that they could begin scattering grit at any time though.

If a gritter wagon approaches you coming the other way, don’t swerve to try and avoid its spray pattern.

Your car will get hit regardless – suddenly steering away from the truck’s path only increases your risk of crashing.

Finally, if an opportunity arises to overtake a gritter, don’t wait around.

Make sure you pass quickly and safely, remaining within the speed limits and traffic laws at all times.

Your car will likely get a splattering from the spreader as you move past, but it won’t be as bad as prolonged exposure to the constant stream of salt.

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To summarise our road gritter tips:

• Give yourself some space to protect your paintwork
• Be aware of reduced traction on the fresh particles
• Leave room at junctions for the sudden grit spray
• Look out for their orange warning lights
• Don't swerve if one is approaching from the opposite direction
• Be patient - don't overtake unless it's safe
• Leave more overtaking room if you really can't wait behind

Unfortunately, these tips are only reactive measures.

If you’re stuck behind a gritter, the only thing to do is be patient if you can’t pass. That way you won’t damage your car or put you and other road users at risk.