Driving conditions and the changing of the seasons
Driving conditions and the changing of the seasons
Over the past few weeks the weather has taken a turn. The sky is
grey more often than it is blue and there is a damp chill in the
air. The seasons are changing and the UK is on the verge of yet
another dreary winter, in fact this winter is predicted to be
exceptionally long and cold. We're all used to it by now, but
unfortunately our resignation and acceptance of wet winters
doesn't mean that we adjust to the changes in driving conditions
quite as easily. There are 6,393 more accidents involving cars
on the UK's roads in winter than there are during the summer
months. A frightening statistic which clearly shows why we all
need to buckle up and drive more carefully when it's cold out.
We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be. One
minute the sun will be shining and the birds singing, the next
minute you'll be struggling to see out of the car window because
of freezing fog or driving rain. Situations like this are
precarious as icy and wet roads make it difficult to stop
quickly and low visibility results in collisions. It is
recommended that you stay at home and avoid unnecessary car
journeys when the weather conditions take a nose dive. However,
many people simply cannot avoid leaving home for whatever
reason. If this applies to you there are some vital safety
measures that you should take to avoid being involved in a car
accident.
Adjust your driving to suit the weather
* Wet roads make stopping distances a least double those
required to stop on a dry road because your tyres will have less
grip. To prevent a car accident from happening you should keep a
safe distance from the vehicle in front. Instead of the normal 2
second rule you should leave at least a 4 second gap in between
you.
* If the weather is icy or snowy you should try to avoid driving
if you can. If you do have to venture out make sure you have
provisions for an emergency. You should carry a spade, warm
clothing, food, a warm drink and a torch. You should make sure
that you can see out of all your windows. You must drive
extremely slowly and keep a safe distance from other cars as
stopping distances can be ten times greater than in normal
conditions.
* On an icy road you should drive at a slow speed in as high a
gear as possible. Braking should be done extremely gently. Take
extra care around bends.
* In windy weather you should drive carefully and be very aware
of other vehicles especially high sided vehicles and
motorcyclists.
* When it's foggy your main problem is the complete lack of
visibility that you might encounter. You should use your fog
lights remembering to switch them off as soon as you leave the
fog. You should keep a safe distance from other road users and
realise that you may not be able to judge the speed of other
vehicles. You should slow down using your brakes so that the
drivers behind you can see that you are slowing down.
In the worst case scenario you should take into consideration
that you might get stuck. Bad weather can cause traffic and cars
often break down because of the conditions or due to mechanical
faults. If you do get into a situation like this there are a few
key things to do to keep you safe.
* If you can, use a motorway emergency phone as the emergency
services or breakdown services will be able to locate you more
easily.
* Stay with your vehicle so that your car doesn't obstruct snow
ploughs and rescue vehicles.
* If you do have to leave the car make sure that you're visible.
* Don't keep your engine on in order to stay warm.
In an ideal world we would all be able to stay at home with a
cup of cocoa and work on a lap top. Sadly this type of luxury
doesn't extend to everybody, so braving the elements becomes a
necessity. If you simply have to go to work or have to pick the
kids up from school when it's icy and cold, then follow the tips
above to make sure you get to your destination in one piece.
If you are involved in an accident during the winter months then
help is at hand. Car Accident Advice Line,
www.car-accident-claim.com can help you out of a sticky
situation. If you need to make a personal injury claim or need a
replacement car, then they will be of assistance.
ENDS-
Editorial notes:
Car Accident Adviceline www.car-accident-claim.com, 0808 143 43
42, is an independent company that works towards claiming
compensation for people who have had a non fault car accident.
Their services are completely free to use as all car hire
charges and legal fees are recovered from the person at faults'
insurance company or written off.