road safety – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Driver safety roadshow set to roll into Edinburgh to help older drivers stay safe behind the wheel

● The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched their Fitness to Drive campaign to encourage drivers aged 60 and over to reflect on their driving and take simple, practical steps to stay safe and confident on the road.

● The Fitness to Drive national roadshow will be stopping off in Edinburgh from 19 – 23 August appearing at local spots including IKEA Straiton, Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, and Dobbies Garden Centre Edinburgh.

● Older drivers will be able to drop in for a free ‘Driver MOT’ – a session to help them recognise any changes in the way they drive and explore practical steps they can take to continue driving safely for longer.

A road safety campaign by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland is coming to Edinburgh as part of a nationwide tour to support mature drivers to stay safe and confident on the road.

With more than 850,000 drivers over 60 in Scotland, the Fitness to Drive roadshow will be appearing at IKEA Straiton on 19 August, before heading to Cameron Toll Shopping Centre on 20 August, before finally rolling into Dobbies Garden Centre Edinburgh from 21 to 23 August.

The purpose of the roadshow is to highlight the importance of recognising how ageing may impact driving, as well as understanding the steps that can be taken to mitigate that.

Transport Scotland statistics show an increasing trend in the number of road casualties involving drivers aged 60 and over. The Driver MOT roadshow aims to help people understand ways they can overcome age-related challenges, such as changes to eyesight, hearing and reaction times.

The roadshow will share tips for addressing these changes, which may include booking regular eye examinations, reducing night-time driving, avoiding busy junctions at peak hours, and/or refreshing skills with a driving review.

Fear of having to give up driving can often stop people from addressing these changes, but the Fitness to Drive initiative looks to equip older drivers with the knowledge and understanding they need to help stay safe behind the wheel for longer. Friends and family members of drivers aged 60 or over are also encouraged to attend for advice on opening up supportive and sensitive conversations about driving.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, said: “The Fitness to Drive campaign is designed to support older drivers to recognise any changes that come with age – whether that’s to eyesight or hearing – and encouraging them to take action to ensure they continue driving safely and confidently.

“Change doesn’t always have to mean hanging up the keys and, by helping older drivers and their families ensure their driving fitness, we can help make people more confident and safer when they travel which, in turn, can help stop collisions and save lives.”

The Fitness to Drive national roadshow will be at the following locations:

● IKEA Straiton – Wednesday 19 August – 10am – 4pm

● Cameron Toll Shopping Centre – Thursday 20 August – 10am – 4pm

● Dobbies Garden Centre Edinburgh – Friday 21 – Sunday 23 August – 10am – 4pm

For more details about the roadshow and advice about how to keep driving safely for longer, visit roadsafety.scot/fitness-to-drive/

Wife of motorcyclist killed in collision shares her story as part of National Motorcycle Safety Campaign

The wife of a motorcyclist killed in a road traffic collision in 2024 has shared her family’s story as part of Police Scotland’s National Motorcycle Safety Campaign 2026.

56-year-old father and grandfather Ian Sloan died when his motorcycle collided with a car on the A719 Waterside to A77 Ayr Road around 3.10pm on Saturday, 15 June, 2024.

His wife, Shirley Sloan, is sharing her family’s story to raise awareness of the importance of road safety and encouraging all road users to remember to take care on Scotland’s roads.

The campaign follows the publication of a joint study published last year with Transport Scotland examining motorcycle fatalities between January 2015 and August 2024.

The study found that 269 people – including 253 riders and 16 passengers – were killed during that period. Despite accounting for less than 1% of traffic, motorcyclists represented 18% of all road fatalities in Scotland.

Shirley Sloan, wife of Ian Sloan, said: “Ian had bikes for all the time that I knew him, it was his love. Any time he was stressed or just not feeling great, he would go out on his bike.

“Hearing the words ‘I’m sorry but your husband was killed in a motorcycle accident’ was dreadful. Losing a loved one, in the manner that we lost Ian, it was so traumatic. You don’t have time to say goodbye, you don’t have time to put plans in place.

“One minute you’re a family of four, making plans for the future, and just in the blink of an eye, the heart of your family is gone.

“It’s left myself and my son and daughter with terrible anxieties as well. It’s like we are waiting for something bad to happen again.”

Inspector Hugh Niccolls, Head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “On behalf of Police Scotland, I’d like to thank Shirley Sloan and the Sloan family for taking the time and courage to share their story.

“Shirley’s story is a powerful reminder of the devasting and lasting impact that road collisions can have, not only on those directly involved, but also on the families, friends, and communities affected.

“We know our roads are busier with motorcyclists during the summer months, and so we continue to remind all road users to be mindful of one another.

“As Shirley mentions, road safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle, driving a car, are cycling or walking, we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe on Scotland’s roads.”

Shirley continues: “My message to all road users, whether you’re on a bike or a car, is ride to the road conditions. Don’t take chances, don’t cut corners and just take another look.

“That extra second to take a second look, even a third look, could make the difference to someone’s life.

“If someone has a collision in a car, there’s a fair chance they’re walking away. But that’s not the same for a biker.”

For more information and guidance on road safety, you can visit Road Safety Scotland at https://roadsafety.scot/.

RoSPA: Preventing Future Fatalities by Optimising Road Crash Data

Every road death is one too many. Preventing future fatalities starts with understanding why collisions happen.

Our NEW report explores how improving the way road collision data is collected, shared and used can help identify risks earlier, target interventions more effectively, and ultimately save lives.

Better data means better decisions. Better decisions mean safer roads.

Read the report here

https://www.rospa.com/…/preventing-future-fatalities-by…

#RoadSafety

#VisionZero

New rider reflection and safety initiative trialled in Scottish Borders to help reduce motorcycle harm

POLICE officers engaged with seven motorcyclists as part of a new safety initiative aimed to reduce rider harm at the weekend.

The rider reflection and safety initiative in the Lothian and Scottish Borders began trial on Saturday, 18 July, and saw drone technology used to support engagement with the motorcycling community and help reduce rider harm.

Within clearly signposted areas, drones were used to support officers in engaging with riders who may benefit from constructive conversations around safer riding choices.

Riders were offered the opportunity to review their footage to reflect on their behaviours that may increase risk on the road.

The initiative follows data published last year by Transport Scotland showing that 18% of all road fatalities were a motorcycle rider or passenger, despite motorcycles only being estimated to account for less than 1% of traffic in Scotland.

During the trial deployment, seven riders were approached and given the opportunity to speak with officers.

Two riders were given warnings re speed and two were issued with vehicle defect forms.

Chief Inspector Greg Burns, East Area Commander for Road policing, said: “The use of drone technology to support rider engagement has been used by other UK forces as part of wider efforts to reduce those killed or seriously injured on the road.

“Our specially trained and experienced motorcycle officers will use the new initiative to start conversations and offer expert advice to riders. This is to help encourage positive reflection and to highlight additional rider training opportunities that are available.

“The focus here is awareness and education. We want to support riders to think more carefully about high-risk manoeuvres such as unsafe overtaking, as well as excessive speed through bends and junctions.

“We continue to remind all road users to be responsible on our roads. We all have a role to play in making sure everyone returns home safely.”

The initiative is being piloted within the Lothian and Scottish Borders divisional area, providing an opportunity to evaluate and inform future road safety activity as part of Police Scotland’s national motorcycle safety campaign.

Two-thirds of drivers oppose plans to expand 20mph areas

Plans to extend 20mph speed limits across more UK roads are facing resistance from drivers, new research reveals.

A recent survey by Quotezone.co.uk found that 66% of respondents said they were not in favour of reducing key 30mph roads to 20mph.

The study of 1,000 British adults, showed over two-thirds (67%) think 20mph roads are simply too slow.

The findings come amid ongoing discussions across parts of the UK about expanding 20mph zones, hoping to improve road safety and reduce accidents in urban areas.

Last month, the government launched a new road safety strategy, which aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.

The strategy revealed there will be a new edition of the best practice guidance on setting local speed limits, which suggests there may be significant changes to the 30mph default limit on urban roads.

Wales is leading the way in terms of adopting lower speed limits and has already implemented a default 20mph rule on residential and built-up roads.

Scotland and England are also following suit, with many regions already rolling out a 20mph speed limit in urban areas.

London has seen significant progress, with lower speed limits in place on more than half of urban roads, while the North West is close behind, with over 45% now set at 20mph.

While public opinion may be divided on the approach, in the first year of the new 20mph limit, Wales saw approximately 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured, and research shows that even an average speed reduction of just 1mph can cut crash frequency by 5%.

As more roads move to lower limits, drivers are being encouraged to stay alert to changing signage and adjust their driving accordingly.

Sticking to the indicated limits ensures motorists avoid fines, penalty points and potential increases to their insurance premiums.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “With changes to speed limits continuing to be discussed across the UK, our research suggests many motorists remain unconvinced about reducing key 30mph roads to 20mph, with concerns likely centred around journey times and practicality.

“That being said, evidence from Wales, for example, demonstrates that lower limits can have a positive impact on road safety, with data from the first year of implementation showing fewer people killed or seriously injured.

“Ultimately, decisions around speed limits sit with local authorities, and they must balance public sentiment with safety outcomes, congestion, and the needs of different road users when assessing what’s appropriate for their communities.

“With lower limits appearing on more roads, it’s important drivers watch for signage and adapt their speed to make sure they stay safe and avoid fines.

“From an insurance perspective, any measure that successfully reduces collisions is positive news for premium prices. Fewer accidents could lead to fewer claims, and over time that has the potential to ease the pressure on car insurance costs.”

As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps drivers compare and find savings on all sorts of motoring products, such as van, fleet and car insurance.

Edinburgh nursery children reminded to go safe with Ziggy

Local nursery children in Edinburgh were treated to a special visit from Road Safety Scotland character Ziggy this week, to remind them of the importance of staying safe on our roads.

Ziggy visited children at three local nurseries; Pentland Nursery, Wester Coates Nursery School and Little Learners Nursery.

The visits were part of a road safety tour of Early Learning & Childcare Centres (ELCs) designed to equip young children with skills, knowledge and attitudes to help keep them safe on our roads now and later in life.

Together with Ziggy – an alien visiting Earth to learn about road safety – children enjoyed an interactive performance which brings to life road safety messages combining song, role play and crafts.

Multiple immersive learning activity stations, including card games, tested children on their understanding of road safety symbols, noises they’d hear on the roads, and steps to take to cross the road safely. A playmat featuring a town-scape including traffic lights and a zebra crossing also reinforced road safety skills through imaginative play.

Alison Hawkins, Head at Wester Coates Nursery school, said: “The children were very delighted to welcome Ziggy to Wester Coates Nursery School.

“Visits such as these reinforce our own road safety programme, strengthening the important road safety messages we teach and practice. Having fun with Ziggy was a great reminder about safety.”

Debbie Nicol, Assistant Director, Road Safety Scotland, said: “It is important that children are immersed in positive road safety attitudes from a young age, both in the classroom and at home, and we know that early experiences shape children’s future behaviour.

“Ziggy is a fun character with an important message and visits like these help create lasting memories about road safety.”

The Ziggy tour will include visits to Early Learning & Childcare Centres across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife, Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, Dundee and Renfrewshire.

Written by children’s author Lynda Kennedy and illustrated by Lynn Taylor, the Go Safe with Ziggy books are a free resource available to all Early Learning and Childcare centres and Primary 1 classes in Scotland, and parents, carers and teachers have access to online resources and activity ideas. The Ziggy series is also available in Scots and Gaelic.

Books can be ordered for free on roadsafety.scot/ziggy-order.

For more information about Go Safe with Ziggy, visitroadsafety.scot/ziggy-online.

Details are also available on Road Safety Scotland’s social media channels: Facebook @roadsafetyscotland and X @RoadSafetyScot.

Active Travel Manifesto: More than 60 organisations say get more people walking, wheeling and cycling

Call to maintain momentum to support healthier communities, create thriving local economies and to save lives on Scotland’s roads

68 organisations* from across Scotland have come together to urge all political parties to enable more people to walk, wheel or cycle, ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.

The ‘Joint Active Travel Manifesto for 2026’ calls for parties to commit to multi-year budgets, link public transport and improve road safety, in order to build on ongoing success and bring the benefits of walking/wheeling and cycling to more people.

From helping to reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions to improving public health and supporting local economies, the manifesto highlights some of the many benefits that active travel brings, calling on parties to pledge to support five key commitments:

Investment: provide long term investment to transform our local high streets and communities, committing at least 10% of the transport budget to active travel funding.
Long-term commitment: Multi-year budgets to accelerate delivery of national strategies on walking/wheeling and cycling, offer better value for money and give more people access to active travel, regardless of income and background.
Infrastructure: Transform our communities, enabling anyone, especially younger people – to travel more safely on foot, by wheeling or by bike. Including through well maintained, accessible networks of walking or cycling routes and reorganised street space, creating better, greener local places.
Link active and public transport: Integrate walking and cycling infrastructure with public transport in rural areas especially, providing alternatives to the car. Reducing congestion for all and effortlessly linking longer journeys.
Safety: Reduce road danger by lowering traffic speeds in our communities, by taking dangerous drivers off the road and by creating more accessible streets for all: implementing the pavement parking ban, reinforcing the new Highway Code and making welcoming spaces everyone can use and enjoy.

Increased national investment in active travel was supported by all major parties at the 2021 Holyrood election, and has led to impressive increases in walking, wheeling and cycling where projects have been delivered.

Sadly, it’s not all good news as 12 people are killed or seriously injured while walking, wheeling or cycling every week in Scotland and more action is needed to keep people safe and reduce danger at source.

The Scottish Government’s 2026 budget has set out increased funding for active travel and bus infrastructure over the next four years – an extremely welcome development that will help to create safer streets, healthier communities, and support more thriving local economies.

The Joint Active Travel Manifesto calls on all political parties to commit to sustaining and building on this investment into the long term.

Devi Sridhar is Professor and Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh and author of ‘How Not to Die Too Soon’. In support of the manifesto, Professor Sridhar said: “A move towards active travel isn’t about banning cars, but rather increasing options and freedoms for people to choose how they want to go to school, work or city centre, whether it’s walking, cycling or public transport.

“Getting people moving in their daily life should be a high priority for governments given that sedentary behaviour is a major risk factor for chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and dementia. Exercise also contributes at a cellular level to better mental health.

“Scotland has made positive steps in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go to catch up with major European cities who have built active travel into urban design.”

Rose Marie Burke and John Newman, the parents of Emma Burke Newman who was killed while cycling in Glasgow City Centre in 2023, said: “Emma loved to cycle through her world, including her beloved Scotland.

“Unfortunately, careless driving and poor infrastructure took her away from us. Despite progress, let’s keep up the hard work to recognise and address the real issues in plain sight.”

Kay Corbett, owner of Outline Hair in the centre of Edinburgh, has supported customers to travel by bike by providing cycle parking inside her salon, and has advocated for further improvements for walking, wheeling and cycling on local shopping streets.

Kay said: “I’m lucky enough to have my commute to work pass through Holyrood Park, and seeing the changing seasons in the park, and wildlife up close every day is unreal, you really couldn’t convince me there’s a better way to travel.

“The safer and more enjoyable an experience we can make it is the best way to encourage people to make the leap onto a bike.

“I can do all I like to encourage cycling to my business, talking to clients about biking, providing bike parking in the salon, but the biggest concern my staff and customers have is safety. The want to cycle is there. The issues remain clear – that cycle lanes aren’t city wide yet.”

Jason Corbett, owner of Insider Tattoo, said as a small business owner: “I need to get about, my customers need to get about so the more people using active travel the more swiftly, safely and cleanly we will all move.

“It will give us both physical and mental health benefits and a cleaner environment for the future.”

Organisers of the Pedal on Parliament campaign, which is set to ride through the streets of Edinburgh on 30^th May 2026, said: “We know cycling to be transformative – we can see that from the infrastructure local authorities have built in Scotland in recent years, and how everyday people then find themselves with a quick, healthy, low-cost and flexible way of moving around our villages, towns and cities.

“But we still see cycling being under-prioritised — not only under-budgeted, but more importantly those budgets being underspent. We see other European nations effecting huge changes like improving air quality, easing congestion, increasing local trade and raising citizens’ general quality of life by making travelling by bike a safer and easier choice.

“We wonder when Scotland will join them — because we’re falling behind, moving too slowly, and listening too closely to those who say ‘it can’t work here’ when all the evidence tells us otherwise. That’s why we’re organising our big ride on 30th May 2026 in Edinburgh – kids, teens, adults and elders cycling together to the Scottish Parliament to ask for better, faster.”

The full joint manifesto for active travel, with list of all signatories, is available here.

1. Investing in Scotland’s Future – Joint Active Travel Manifesto for 2026 – 01.2026 (1)Download

Essential driving tips for safe journeys this festive season

Travelling home for Christmas or out and about visiting family can be a hectic and dangerous time on our roads.

Around Christmas, conditions are normally challenging with cold and wet weather making roads treacherous.

The evenings are also darker, with a larger volume of cars. Traffic experts estimate nearly 30 million journeys take place in the UK over the Christmas holidays, as people hunt for gifts, enjoy festive nights out and celebrate with friends and family.

Experts from Tiger.co.uk have named six important steps for drivers to take when travelling over the festive period, particularly if they have kids in the car.

The calendar is normally packed full of festivities that children often need to be driven to, from visiting Santa, to pantomimes, town Christmas light switch-ons and carol services – often driving long distances or through turbulent winter weather conditions.

It’s crucial for parents or guardians to be aware of potential issues to ensure a safe and responsible driving environment for little ones.

Crucially, parents should use an appropriate car seat or seat belt for their child’s age, height, and weight and make sure it’s installed properly, regularly cleaned and is compatible with the vehicle.

According to the Highway Code, children must use a car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 cm tall, and toddlers under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat.

Failing to comply with these rules can result in a fine of up to £500 and penalty points.

The Highway Code Rule 98 also warns drivers to make sure objects are secure when loading a car. Christmas presents, juice bottles and toys need to be stored properly before setting off, to reduce the risk of them hurting people inside the car in the event of an accident.

Busy parents or caregivers are also reminded to avoid multitasking while driving and avoid driving altogether if they are too tired over the festive break.

Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Driving over the holiday season can bring a whole new set of challenges given the unpredictable weather, busy roads and hectic Christmas calendar.

“It also brings unfamiliar situations as more people do late night runs as designated drivers, usual routes can suffer additional congestion due to festive events and Christmas lights and festive spectacles can make for distractions.

“It’s important for drivers to be aware of these additional hazards and safety tips in the build up to Christmas, leaving time to prepare the car, the passengers and ensure they’re not too tired to drive.

“Careless driving can see motorists handed an unlimited fine with three to nine penalty points so it’s best to be aware of the dangers and plan ahead.”

Tiger’s tips for staying safe on the roads this Christmas:

1. Avoid distractions and ensure visibility

It’s important that the driver can see out of the vehicle properly at all times, so presents need to be packed and stored safely in the boot – and not on the parcel shelf. If the car is decorated for Christmas, you need to be careful that it’s not a distraction to the driver and they can see clearly out of all of the windows.

2. Check you’re not too tired

The Christmas period can put a lot of stress on drivers. Organising, packing, wrapping and spending time visiting lots of family members can be exhausting but you should never drive when tired. Anyone experiencing festive fatigue should swap drivers, take a rest stop to recharge or consider public transport.

3. Beware of bulky clothes

Although the winter chill means children are likely wrapped up warm before getting into the car, bulky coats should not be worn in car seats. They leave extra space under the harness, which could lead them to slip through the straps during an accident. To keep kids warm in the car, dress them in thin layers and use a blanket over the harness.

4. Double-check child lock

When driving with children, child locks should also be in use. Children may open the door accidentally while moving – which is incredibly dangerous and could be seen as careless driving and result in a hefty fine and points on your licence. Without a child lock, children can also try to leave the vehicle in busy areas before the parents are ready to help.

5. Car seats are a priority

When driving with young children under 12 years or 135 cm tall, it is crucial to follow guidelines provided by car seat manufacturers and the law, to ensure children are properly restrained. Babies under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat. Refit and clean the seats regularly to ensure they are secure and free from debris that could hinder the buckles.

6. Be wary of multitasking

Passengers, especially children, can be very excitable when travelling at Christmas time, but it is important for drivers not to get distracted. Whether you are tending to their needs or trying to calm them down in the car, these distractions could lead to accidents. It is important to stay focused on the road in order to remain in control of the vehicle. If children in the car are becoming fussy on long journeys, it is better to pull over and take a break in a safe spot before taking to the road again.

It’s also sensible to add breakdown cover to car insurance policies this Christmas or purchase a standalone product – drivers should check with their insurer to see if they have it already as standard, to avoid paying extra.

National Speed Management Review: Consultation findings published

Transport Scotland has published the findings from over 19,500 responses to the National Speed Management Review public consultation.

The next steps in plans to reduce death and injuries on Scotland’s roads have been outlined by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport.

The findings from over 19,500 responses to the National Speed Management Review public consultation have been published. The next steps are:

In relation to national speed limits on single carriageway, following close consideration of consultation responses, Ministers will not be taking forward changes. Further work will be undertaken to continue to analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways.
In relation to Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) speed limits, work will be undertaken to progress steps to increase speed limits on single and dual carriageways for this vehicle type. This change aims to reduce the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, helping to reduce driver frustration and improve journey time reliability.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The National Speed Management Review provides important evidence on how speed limits can help reduce road deaths and serious injuries, and is helping us work towards our ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030.

“The next steps have been informed by the huge number of responses to the public consultation. Work will be undertaken to further analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways and this will inform any future transport policies.

“We are also going to start work now on the steps needed to increase HGV speed limits, recognising the consultation feedback and the positive results of similar changes from the A9 HGV speed limit trial and other parts of the UK.

By reducing the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, this change is expected to enhance road safety by reducing driver frustration and improving journey time reliability.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. These proposals represent a vital step towards making Scotland roads safer.”

http://transport.gov.scot/news/national-speed-management-review-update/

Motorists warned of aquaplaning dangers during heavy rainfall

Motorists are being warned about the dangers of aquaplaning, as experts share tips on how to stay safe on the roads during stormy weather.

Rainfall in the UK is on the rise, with winter 2023-24 the wettest on record,* making it vital that drivers know how to react in these challenging situations.

Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk urge drivers to check their tyre tread depth and significantly reduce their speed when it’s raining to help keep control during unexpected aquaplaning.

Also known as hydroplaning, aquaplaning happens when a layer of water builds up between a vehicle’s tyres and the road surface, causing the tyres to lose grip.

This can lead to a complete loss of steering and braking control, leaving drivers unable to manoeuvre safely until the tyres regain contact with the road.

Even a small amount of water can cause aquaplaning if tyres are worn or under-inflated. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, so it’s important for motorists to regularly check their tyres to ensure they meet or exceed this limit.

Drivers are advised to slow down when conditions are wet, as aquaplaning is far more likely to occur at speeds above 35 mph.**

It’s also important to avoid harsh acceleration, braking or sudden steering movements in rainy weather.

When the car is aquaplaning, drivers might notice the engine suddenly becoming louder, feel as though they’ve dropped the clutch down a gear, causing the revs to increase, experience lighter or unresponsive steering, or feel the back end of the car drifting from side to side, also known as ‘fishtailing’.***

In that situation, it’s crucial not to slam the brakes or turn the wheel sharply. Instead, drivers need to gently ease off the accelerator and keep the steering straight until the tyres regain contact with the road.

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “As the weather across the UK gets wetter and stormier, motorists need to be on alert for dangerous driving conditions.

“Many drivers underestimate how easily aquaplaning can happen. Even a thin layer of water can be enough if tyres are worn or speeds are too high.

“It can be a frightening experience when you suddenly lose control of the car, and can result in serious accidents, so knowing how to prevent and manage aquaplaning is crucial at this time of year.

“Regularly checking tyres, slowing down, keeping an eye out for puddles and avoiding harsh manouvers in wet conditions, can all help improve safety while driving in the rain.

“Being aware of the first signs of aquaplaning is also important so that drivers can react calmly and safely. If the steering suddenly feels light or the car starts to drift, don’t panic.

“Staying composed, easing off the accelerator, keeping the wheel straight and letting the tyres regain their grip naturally is the best that you can do in this situation. Being prepared and aware of what’s happening is half the battle.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s top tips on avoiding aquaplaning:

1. Reduce speed

Your tyres will have less chance of gripping the road if you’re travelling at a higher speed. There’s no magic “safe speed,” but experts say that cars travelling under 35 mph in an inch or two of water are much more likely to stay in control.

2. Check your tyre tread depth

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but don’t wait until you’re right on the limit. More tread means better grip, especially on wet roads. If your tyres are starting to look a little smooth, it’s time to get them checked or replaced,**** driving with unroadworthy tyres can lead to fines, penalty points and could even invalidate your car insurance.

3. Keep tyres properly inflated

Under-inflated tyres can’t clear water as effectively, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Check tyre pressures regularly, especially before long journeys. If you’re not sure what your tyre pressure should be, check your car manual or reference sticker on the inside of the doorframe.

4. Keep an eye out for puddles

Those big puddles might look harmless, but hitting one too fast can make your car lose contact with the road in an instant. Try to avoid waterlogged roads or drive around puddles safely – if you have to go through, reduce speed and proceed with caution. Turning your headlights on is recommended on rainy days to increase visibility, so other drivers can see you better and you have a better chance of spotting excess surface water.

5. Follow the track

If there’s a car ahead, their tyres will already have cleared some of the water from the road, leaving tracks behind. Driving in those tracks, while keeping a safe distance, could help your tyres maintain better grip.

6. Drive smoothly

Gentle steering, braking and accelerating are key when it’s wet. Take extra care on bends and avoid using cruise control, as it can stop you from reacting quickly if you start to aquaplane.

As a leading price comparison site, Quotezone helps millions of drivers every year compare and find savings on all sorts of car insurance, such as young, older and convicted driver insurance.