Driving In Adverse Weather Conditions

Extreme weather conditions are becoming more and more frequent in the UK and often occur without any notice. During the year, these can include snow blizzards, torrential downpours, freak storms and scorching heat waves, all of which can affect your performance on the road. Making the right moves is not always obvious though – for example, up to 23% of younger drivers, aged 18-24, have never driven in snow so don’t know what to expect, according to a recent survey by ICM Research. That’s why Direct Line has come up with some key tips to help you stay safe while you drive. If you do breakdown or have an accident, Direct Line car Insurance or Breakdown Cover can also help you through the worst.

Driving in all seasons

Whatever the weather, get into the habit of doing a pre-journey check on your car and its contents, especially before long trips. To enhance your road safety and help you prepare for any eventuality, including breakdown, you should check that:

• All lights work on the vehicle
• Your windscreen wipers are fully functioning
• Your battery is fully charged (check dashboard battery light signal is on full)
• Your tyre pressure is correct for your vehicle and the tread is above the legal limit
• Your number plate is clearly visible
• Your mirrors are clean and positioned correctly for your driving position
• Your spare wheel – if you have one – is in optimum condition (see tyre advice above) and you have the correct tools to replace the wheel if necessary
• You have adequate fuel for the planned journey
• Water and oil levels are correct

It is also wise to carry a mobile phone, torch, food and drink, first aid kit, warm clothes, a blanket and a set of jump leads in the car, at all times. Your driving license, car insurance and breakdown cover documents should also be kept to hand, along with emergency numbers (with all Direct Line car insurance you get a free Accident action pack to keep in the car, plus access to a 24 hour accident helpline). Plus, let someone know where you are going and your estimated time of arrival, if travelling alone. Listening to weather and travel reports before and during your trip can help your journey run more smoothly, safely and with the minimum of stress. Adverse weather conditions such as hail or fog can happen suddenly and at any time – whether it’s December or August.

Surviving winter

In the UK, there’s always the chance that you will be driving through rain, fog, frost, wind or even snow. Flash flooding and freezing temperatures are also becoming more common, so it’s best to be prepared. The following tips can help you deal with adverse weather conditions associated with the cold:

• Test in-car heating system to ensure you can demist the windows if needed
• Clear windows, lights and number plate – it is wise to pack de-icer and a scraper in your car at all times in case ice or snow catches you unawares
• Ice, snow, mist and rain demand that you drive more slowly and carefully. If you know bad weather is coming, make allowances and extend your journey time
• If visibility is low, use rear fog lights, and reduce speed
• According to the Highways Agency, stopping distances can be up to 10 times as far in very wet or icy conditions, so don’t hug the car in front
• Higher, more exposed areas such as bridges and overpasses will be affected by snow and ice more quickly than other surfaces. Plan your journey to avoid these areas if possible – Direct Line’s routeplanner can help.
• If you’re on a dual carriageway or motorway, avoid making unnecessary changes of lane. Speeding up in icy or very wet conditions could cause you to swerve
• On windy days, be particularly careful around motorcyclists and cyclists; strong wind can seriously hamper their speed so you need to adjust your judgment. Large vehicles such as lorries can also waver, so take extra care when passing them.

Bearing the heat

Hot summers or freak hot days, are also becoming more frequent in the UK. In July 2006, some temperatures escalated to a scorching 38ºC. Such extreme heat can also affect how you drive, especially if, like many British drivers, you are not used to such ‘tropical’ climes. The following tips can help you stay safe and comfortable on the roads during summer:

• Ensure your vehicle is well ventilated. Built-in air-con is ideal to help avoid overheating and drowsiness. It may also help to place a sunscreen on the back window, especially if you have children or dogs
• Your vehicle can also overheat, so check water levels and radiator
• Soft roads (tarmac can literally ‘melt’ in very high heat) can affect your steering and braking. Make allowances to ensure you have adequate stopping and journey time
• Driving at peak times, such as school or bank holidays, means you may encounter more traffic jams. Turn off the engine if you come to a halt and make sure you have plenty of water
• Cover leather or plastic seats to stop them getting hot. If possible, park in the shade so you don’t step into a furnace when you get back
• Visibility on the road is key to safe driving. Invest in a pair of good sunglasses to counteract ‘blinding’ from bright sunshine.
• Clean windows and mirrors. Intense sunlight can form glare on smudges, which can also reduce visibility.

If the worst does happen and adverse weather conditions do cause your car to breakdown or be involved in an accident, you can gain some peace of mind with adequate cover from Direct Line. You can get more details or a quote for car breakdown or car insurance now, online.