Driving and Weather Conditions
Different types of weather can lead to very difficult and treacherous driving conditions.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe in extreme weather conditions:
Heavy Rain
It rains so often in this country that it's really easy to become complacent about driving on wet slippery surfaces.When the rain first comes down it combines with fuel spilt on the road, soot, dust, and debris from tyres and cars, and the result can be a slick road surface that can lead to the driver slipping and sliding all dangerously all over the road.
Slow Down
It seems obvious, but your tyres will have far less grip than in the dry so do keep your speeds down. Travelling too fast in wet weather can also result in what is known as aquaplaning. This happens when a layer of water forms between the road surface and your tyres. Effectively, your tyres aren't touching the road and you will lose control over your steering and braking.Increase Stopping Distances
Increase the distance in between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. You can expect to need to double your stopping distances in heavy rain. * Reduce the pressure on the pedals In particular, this concerns the brake pedal. When slowing down, ease off your accelerator and slow down gradually to avoid skidding and losing control. Slamming on the brakes will increase the likelihood of you going into an uncontrollable skid and ending up in an accident.Turn on Your Headlights
Rain and spray will reduce visibility, and turning on your headlights will also make you more visible to other drivers in gloomy conditions.
Flooded Roads
Don't Take Risks
Don't try to drive over a flooded road, if at all possible, turn back and find another way.Don't Underestimate The Power of Water
Remember that 2 feet of water, moving quickly, is enough to float a car. Slow moving water is capable of sweeping a car off a road or bridge.Abandon if Water Rises
If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.Driving Through Floodwater
If you have to drive through floodwater, move slowly in first gear, keeping the engine speed high to prevent it stalling and to keep water from backing up the exhaust.
Snow and Ice
Snow can be dangerous in the UK, because we're just not used to it.The first fall of snow is the most dangerous if the roads haven't yet been gritted, but ice is even worse because sometimes you just can't see it. When water runs onto the road, or forms a pool, it will turn to black ice, and this can be incredibly hard to spot, especially on corners and roundabouts where shadows from the road can hide it even more.
Carefully Defrost Your Car
Before you drive your car away, check that you have cleared all the snow from your windows and windscreen, and that you can see in your mirrors clearly. Also make sure that your lights are clear and are not covered by snow.Check Your Grip
When you start driving, find a quiet, safe place as soon as you can and brake gently, testing your grip on the road.Drive Slowly
Drive slowly and carefully, and make sure your stopping distances are increased appropriately.Treat Bends With Caution
Be careful on bends. Brake slowly and increase the pressure gradually as you approach a bend and be ultra-careful on roundabouts as these are like one big bend when it comes to icy conditions.Drive in a High Gear
Drive in a higher gear than you would usually use, this will give you more control over your vehicle.
Fog
If you're out in fog, take particular care as it can be patchy and unpredictable. Driving in fog is pretty safe as long as you use your common sense.
Entering Fog
As you approach a foggy patch, start to slow down and check your mirrors. Gently use your footbrake so other drivers can see that there is a reason to start slowing down ahead.Dip Your Headlights
Use dipped headlights and fog lights if your visibility is compromised. Do remember to switch off your fog lights when the foggy spell is over as it is an offence to use fog lights in clear conditions (where visibility is 100+ metres).Keep an Eye on Your Speed
If you can only see 40 feet or less ahead of your car then you need to bring your speed down to 20mph.Watch Out
Keep your eyes open for other drivers who are not using fog lights or dipped headlights. Drive cautiously and don't take any chances.
You should seek independent professional advice before acting upon any information on the SaferMotoring website. Please read our Disclaimer.
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