What to do if you get stuck behind a gritter

13th Jan 2025

Gritters are a necessary challenge for drivers across the UK once the temperature starts to plummet; no-one wants to be without them, but no-one wants to be stuck behind them either.

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

Give yourself space behind the gritter

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.

Be aware of reduced traction on icy roads

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.

Leave extra room at junctions

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.

Watch out for their warning lights

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.

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Don't swerve or aggressively turn

If a gritter wagon approaches you coming the other way, don’t aggresively swerve or brake/accelerate.

Suddenly steering away from the truck’s path only increases your risk of crashing.

Be patient - leave more overtaking room

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.

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.