If you’ve ever found yourself gripping the wheel of your car while rain lashes against your windscreen or snow transforms the road into a treacherous, slippery surface, then you’ll know that weather conditions can have a significant impact on your driving experience. In the UK especially, with its notoriously unpredictable weather, it is essential for drivers to be adequately prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Adverse Weather Conditions
Before setting out on the road during adverse weather conditions, ensure that your vehicle is in an optimal state. This does not only involve checking the engine, brakes, wheels, and lights, but also includes making sure that elements such as your wipers, defrosters, and heaters are working efficiently.
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In cases of snow or heavy rain, ensure your tyres have good tread depth – a minimum of 3mm is recommended by the RAC. This will provide better grip and shorter stopping distances. It’s also important to keep a de-icer and scraper in your car during winter months, to clear windows and mirrors.
For those of you who regularly drive on rural or ungritted roads in the winter, consider using snow socks or chains for added traction. However, bear in mind installation and removal can be fiddly and time-consuming.
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Adjusting Your Driving Habits
When faced with severe weather, it’s crucial to adjust your driving habits to accommodate the change in road conditions. For instance, during rain or snow, increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for longer stopping distances.
Remember, stopping distances can double in the wet and be up to ten times longer in ice and snow. Always drive at a speed that will allow you to stop in the distance you can see to be clear. Be particularly cautious on bends and at junctions where black ice can form.
In fog, use your fog lights or low beam headlights to increase visibility, but remember to switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Understanding Traffic Updates
Keeping abreast with traffic updates and news about the weather is invaluable when planning your journey. Use the RAC’s live traffic news service or tune into local radio stations for real-time updates on road conditions and any potential hazards.
If there are warnings about stormy weather, consider whether your journey is essential. Sometimes, it’s better to postpone your travel until conditions improve. If you must hit the road, plan your route carefully, taking into account the weather forecast and traffic situation.
Handling Aquaplaning Situations
One of the dangerous situations that can arise during a storm is aquaplaning – when your vehicle’s tyres lose contact with the road due to a layer of water. This can result in loss of control of the vehicle.
Should you find yourself in an aquaplaning situation, remember not to panic. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and allow the car to slow down naturally. Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering movements as these could cause your vehicle to skid.
Driving in High Winds
Wind may not seem as hazardous as rain, snow or fog, but it can pose a risk, particularly on open routes. High winds can unsettle your vehicle and even push it off course. This is especially true for high-sided vehicles and those towing caravans.
In high winds, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and be prepared for sudden gusts, particularly when emerging from sheltered sections of the road. Be extra vigilant of other road users, particularly cyclists and motorcyclists who are prone to being blown off course.
By adhering to this advice, we hope you will be better equipped to tackle adverse weather conditions on the roads. However, remember that sometimes the safest decision is to stay off the roads altogether until conditions improve.
Top Tips for Navigating Flood Water and Heavy Rain
Driving in heavy rain and flood water is a common occurrence during UK storms, but it presents significant risks such as poor visibility and the danger of aquaplaning. Given these hazards, it’s crucial that you adapt your driving habits accordingly and ensure you have a robust car insurance policy in place.
Firstly, reduce your speed in heavy rain to prevent aquaplaning. When driving through flood water, do so slowly and keep to the highest point of the road. This will help avoid water from entering the exhaust or air intake. It’s essential to test your brakes after emerging from deep water. It’s advisable not to drive through water that is more than 10cm deep for a normal car, and 20cm for a 4×4.
Remember, it’s not just about driving carefully, but also considering other road users. Heavy rain reduces visibility, making it harder to see pedestrians and cyclists. Always use your headlights in rain and fog so that other drivers can see you.
National Highways often provides advice on road conditions during adverse weather, so it’s worthwhile checking their updates for any potential risks. Finally, ensure you have a comprehensive breakdown cover. This will provide peace of mind knowing help is available if you encounter any difficulties during stormy weather.
Winter Driving: Navigating Snow and Ice
Driving in snow and ice can be treacherous and challenging, but it’s not uncommon in the UK. Icy roads drastically increase stopping distances and decrease vehicle control, making it imperative to adjust your driving style and ensure your vehicle is winter-ready.
Keep your speed down and leave plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front. In icy conditions, stopping distances can be up to ten times longer. Utilise your highest gear when pulling away to avoid wheel spin, and your lowest gear when going downhill to avoid skidding. Always brake gently to avoid locking your wheels.
Ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter driving. This includes having a minimum tyre tread depth of 3mm, a fully charged battery, and a working heating system. Consider carrying necessary items such as a shovel, a blanket, and a torch in case of a breakdown.
Don’t forget to check traffic news before your journey, especially during bad weather. In severe weather conditions, the safest decision might be to stay home. However, if travel is unavoidable, be prepared and stay cautious.
Conclusion: Staying Safe on UK Roads During a Storm
Driving in stormy conditions can be stressful and daunting, but by following these top tips and adjusting your driving habits, you can significantly enhance your safety on the road. Always keep in mind the importance of preparing your vehicle for adverse weather conditions, staying updated with traffic news, and understanding when it’s safer to postpone your journey.
Consider investing in European breakdown cover if you plan to drive abroad during winter, as the weather can be even more unpredictable. Always remember that while reaching your destination is important, there’s nothing more important than your safety and the safety of other road users.
Finally, ensure you have comprehensive car insurance to provide you with the necessary cover and peace of mind during your journey. This, coupled with sound driving habits in bad weather, can make all the difference when navigating the UK’s unpredictable weather. Safe travels!
