Tag: winter driving

Motorists urged to follow winter warnings

Motorists are being warned about winter driving hazards they need to be aware of as temperatures start to drop.

Experts from car insurance firm Quotezone.co.uk have revealed ways motorists can avoid penalty points, fines, higher insurance premiums and help keep themselves and other road users safe.

Winter is a dangerous time of year to be driving, with darker nights, awkward sunshine and icy road surfaces.

When asked about their biggest fear when driving in the winter, a recent Quotezone survey found 48% said driving in snow and icy conditions is their biggest worry.

To try to alleviate these fears, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead for the winter weather, be extra cautious and adjust their driving to meet the conditions.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “Winter is probably the most challenging time of the year for drivers, as part of Road Safety Week we wanted to raise awareness of the difficulties many drivers face every day and encourage everyone to get prepared for winter.

“The Quotezone survey showed nearly half are worried about driving in snowy and icy conditions, but there are steps drivers can take to help keep them safe.  It’s important to make sure the vehicle is road worthy – especially tyres, it’s vital they are fit for purpose, fully inflated and pass the 20p tread depth test to ensure they have enough grip in treacherous conditions.

“It’s sensible to give your vehicle some TLC before setting off, especially on longer road trips over the festive season to visit friends and family, ensuring all lights are working and fluid levels are all topped up.  It can also be helpful to pack the boot with a winter survival kit, with essentials in case of an accident or breakdown.

“Road safety is paramount and something all drivers need to take seriously.  We’re proud to support road safety charity Brake and the vital work they do supporting communities throughout Great Britain – their vision is a world where we can all move in a safe and healthy way, working to stop crashes on our roads, reduce harm when a crash happens, and help every road victim get the support they need, for as long as they need it.”

Quotezone.co.uk has put together a list of five things to look out for when driving this winter:

1.Check tyres

Motorists can be fined a hefty £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points, resulting in the loss of a driving licence.  Bare and worn tyres will have less grip and be treacherous in icy conditions, when you insert a 20p into the gap in the tyre tread, the rubber needs to cover the bottom line of the 20p, to ensure the tyres have enough grip.

2.Clear your windscreen before you set off

Windscreens with inhibited views can land drivers with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before you start driving – not having a full view of the road is incredibly dangerous.

3.Defrosting

It’s tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if the vehicle is stolen in the meantime, many insurance companies will not cover the loss. Leaving engines running, also known as ‘idling’ is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This is because it’s bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust.  It’s also incredibly dangerous if done near a school so best to switch the engine off completely if waiting on the school pick-up.

4.Clean the number plate

Excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the number plate isn’t clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.  The police need visible access to your number plate at all times, for the safety of all road users.

5.Driving in a flood

Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.  It’s also extremely dangerous as the engine can stall and the vehicle can be left stranded.

It’s also sensible to pack the car with winter essentials before setting off, such as a torch, a blanket, a shovel, water and rations, a first aid kit, de-icer and a spare phone charger – to help cope with the unexpected.

Quotezone.co.uk helps drivers compare and save on all sorts of motoring products such as breakdown cover, car, motorbike and van insurance.

RoSPA: Control your speed to save lives this season

Slow your speed to save lives, that’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) as we enter a period of wintry weather.

Caitlin Taylor, Road Safety Manager for RoSPA said: “The UK will is entering a time of wintry weather leading to travel disruption, which can pose unique risks to drivers and pedestrians – these risks are increased if someone is speeding.

“Higher speeds mean that drivers have less time to identify and react to what is happening around them, and it takes longer for the vehicle to stop, removes the driver’s safety margin and turns near misses into collisions.

“Driving at 30mph, vehicles are travelling at around three car lengths a second – one blink and the driver may fail to see the early warning brake lights; a short glance away and the movement of a child behind a parked car will be missed.

“With that in mind, and the poor visibility this season poses, it’s clear to see the tragic consequences speeding could have”.

RoSPA advises the following when driving in darker periods of the day:

Be prepared: As the wintry weather sets in, it is crucial for motorists to adjust their driving habits. The decreased visibility during early mornings and evenings demands heightened caution. RoSPA urges drivers to use dipped headlights, and ensure clean windshields, to be extra cautious when navigating poorly lit roads.

Control your Speed: Poor driving conditions and darkness increase the risks associated with speeding. The lack of visibility, compounded by higher speeds, can lead to devastating accidents. The Department for Transport (DfT) reports that in 2023, exceeding the speed limit was deemed a contributory factor related for 21% of all fatal collisions. In 8% of fatal collisions, driving too fast for the conditions was deemed a contributory factor. 1.

RoSPA emphasises that adhering to speed limits and driving to the conditions is paramount, especially when visibility is reduced, or weather conditions are poor.

Caitlin Taylor continues: “If you must travel during poor weather, I suggest leaving ample time for the journey, ensuring you can travel within the speed limit, and try to maintain a safe distance behind other road users.

“As we age, our ability to adapt to changing light reduces, which impacts how we see colours and contrasts in low-light conditions. It also takes longer for the eyes to recover from glare”

ROSPA: Drive with added caution amid looming cold weather

  • The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued urgent guidance to those travelling in cold and snowy weather
  • Disruptive conditions are set to hit many areas of the UK
  • Road experts warn of increased chance of collisions

With icy temperatures and ‘disruptive’ snow hitting large parts of Britain, and parts of the UK still grappling with flooding, leading road experts The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued some vital road safety advice.

Advising on winter driving, Rebecca Guy, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager for England, said: “Snowy conditions can pose a real challenge for drivers so it’s worth knowing how to prepare yourself so your journey can be as smooth as possible.

“Before you set off, check the weather conditions to ensure you’re not caught out, and don’t forget to wipe off snow from the top and windows of your car. This will avoid snow falling onto your windscreen while driving and impacting your line of sight. In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely, unless you absolutely have to make the journey and driving is the only option.

“It’s also a good idea to leave more time than usual for your journey, and to check your tyres, fluid levels, lights and fuel or charge levels before you set off. If your journey is essential, packing some warm clothing, a fully charged mobile phone, some food and a drink can help you to be prepared if you do break down – and even a pair of sunglasses can stand you in good stead in case the sun comes out and reflects on the road ahead.

“If you can, try and move off in second gear and change to a higher gear as soon as possible once the car is moving. Ensure you accelerate gently and smoothly, using low revs. Ideally, stay in a steady gear and leave as much room in front of you as possible so you can maintain a constant speed – and don’t forget that stopping distance can be increased up to 10 times in snowy weather.”

Other factors to consider if driving in snow or ice:

  • Slow down in plenty of time before bends and corners
  • Braking on an icy or snow-covered bend is extremely dangerous. The centrifugal force will continue to pull you outwards and the wheels will not grip very well. This could cause your vehicle to spin
  • Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. You may need up to 10 times the distance for braking in good conditions
  • Visibility will probably be reduced, so use dipped headlights

If you get stuck in snow:

  • If you get stuck in snow, revving your engine to try to power out of the rut will just make the rut worse. Instead, move your vehicle slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can
  • If this doesn’t work, you may have to ask a friendly passerby for a push or get your shovel out.

Rebecca went on to advise those encountering flood water: “The past few weeks have seen a concerning level of flooding in many areas of the UK. It is essential to have the latest information at hand to avoid roads or pathways that are submerged in water.

“Not only can a flooded car be costly, it can lead to drowning so it is important to never attempt to drive through a waterlogged area, especially If the road has been closed off.

“Before leaving the house, consider whether your vehicle really is in a roadworthy condition for extreme weather, and check its tyres, brakes, lights and fluid levels.

“If your vehicle is not in tip-top condition, you are more likely to break down and get stranded. Therefore, keep an emergency kit in your car, especially if you’re going on a long journey. If this seems unnecessary, take a moment to imagine yourself stranded in your car overnight. ”

If you’re in a flooded area, it is also worth considering the following when nearing an affected road:

  • Avoid the deepest water – which is usually near the kerb
  • Don’t attempt to cross if the water seems too deep
  • If you are not sure of the water’s depth, look for an alternative route
  • If you decide to risk it, drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch – this will stop you from stalling
  • Be aware of the bow wave from approaching vehicles – operate an informal ‘give way’ with approaching vehicles.

For more information, please visit our Winter Driving Tips page here.

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RoSPA: Control your speed to save lives this season

Reduce your speed to save lives, that’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) as we head into some of the darkest months of the year.

The most recent Department for Transport (DfT) data revealed that in 2022, there were around 40,000 people injured on our roads during hours of darkness. This included 8,780 people who were seriously injured, and 737 who sadly died.

Rebecca Guy, Road Safety Manager, said: “This time of year sees a worrying combination of darker skies and poor weather conditions, which can pose unique risks to motorists and pedestrians and cyclists – these risks are amplified if someone is speeding.

“Higher speeds mean that drivers have less time to identify and react to what is happening around them, and it takes longer for the vehicle to stop, removes the driver’s safety margin and turns near misses into collisions.

“Driving at 30mph, vehicles are travelling at around three car lengths a second – one blink and the driver may fail to see the early warning brake lights; a short glance away and the movement of a child behind a parked car could be missed[i].

“With that in mind, and the poor visibility this season poses, it’s clear to see the tragic consequences speeding could have.”

RoSPA advises the following when driving in darker periods of the day:

Be prepared: As the UK experiences shorter days and longer nights, it is crucial for motorists to adjust their driving habits. The decreased visibility during early mornings and evenings demands heightened caution. RoSPA urges drivers to use dipped headlights, ensure clean windshields, and to be extra cautious when navigating poorly lit roads.

Control your speed: Darkness amplifies the risks associated with speeding. The lack of visibility, compounded by higher speeds, can lead to devastating collisions. The DfT reports that in 2022, exceeding the speed limit was deemed a contributory factor for 19% of all fatal collisions. In 9 per cent of fatal collisions, driving too fast for the conditions was deemed a contributory factor[ii]. RoSPA emphasises that adhering to speed limits and driving to the conditions is paramount, especially when daylight hours are limited.

Rebecca Guy continues: “If you must travel in the dark, I suggest leaving ample time for the journey, ensuring you can travel within the speed limit, and maintain a safe distance behind other road users.

“As we age, our ability to adapt to changing light reduces, which impacts how we see colours and contrasts in low-light conditions. It also takes longer for the eyes to recover from glare – from one second at age 15, to nine seconds at 65.”

RoSPA urges caution during cold snap

Drive with caution to protect your life and loved ones, says leading accident prevention charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

  • The UK is bracing itself for a gust of wintery weather that could lead to spike in fatal accidents
  • Drive safely to prevent accidents and save lives, says RoSPA – here’s how.

Motorists across the country are urged to drive with caution to avoid accidents as a gust of wintery conditions is set to hit the area at the start of next week. A Met office yellow warning is in place for many parts of the UK, as we expect to see sleet, rain and snow.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), that has worked for more than 100 years to help people recognise and reduce their risk of accidents, at home, on the road, at work and in leisure, say that poor visibility, water-logged roads and slippery snow can all heighten the risk of a tragic car crash.

Advising on how to keep safe during the upcoming wintery snap, RoSPA says at this time of year, adapting our driving style is key.

Becky Guy, Road Safety Manager at RoSPA, said: “Adverse weather conditions and longer, darker evenings make winter a particularly hazardous time to drive, and as we expect to see next week, short bursts of extreme weather are not uncommon here in the UK. 

“These wintry conditions can decrease visibility, increase stopping distances and the risk of skidding, which can all increase the risk of being involved in a crash. If you can, avoid driving in such weather, and if you are expected to drive for work, do ask your employer about whether it has a winter driving policy.

“Things to check before you set off include that all of your lights are working and clean, your tyres are inflated correctly and have at least 3mm of tread, you have enough fuel or charge in the car for unforeseen events and a way of contacting someone in an emergency. Finally, if in doubt and you are able to, postpone your trip until conditions improve.”

Keeping safe in sleet, hail and snow

To help keep drivers safe, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has shared its top winter driving tips to help keep drivers and riders safe.

Before your journey

  • Plan your journey, checking the traffic news and allowing extra time
  • If it has been snowing, be sure to remove snow from the top of your car so that it does not slide down and obstruct your view when driving
  • Check fuel or charge levels before you set off to allow for unexpected delays
  • If you drive an automatic car, check the handbook to see if there’s a winter driving mode setting
  • Assess whether your journey is essential, and speak to your employer about whether they have a winter driving policy

Driving on winter roads

  • Pull off in second gear, going gently on the clutch to avoid wheel-spin
  • Leave plenty of room between you and other road users, applying your brakes gradually and in good time
  • When driving uphill, check the road is clear and try to avoid stopping part way up to prevent you from rolling backwards
  • When driving downhill, keep it slow and use a low gear
  • Remember that braking distance can increase up to double in wet weather and by 10 times in icy weather

Driving in icy conditions

ADVICE FROM POLICE SCOTLAND

Are you prepared for driving as the weather gets colder? As the temperature falls, the roads will become icy so please think ahead before you travel anywhere:

🚗 Only drive if the journey is absolutely necessary and if so, make sure your car is completely defrosted. This includes windows and screen wash!

🕐Leave plenty of time for the journey. The traffic will be slower with people taking precautions whilst driving. No journey is worth the risk of driving fast in the ice and snow.

😎 The glare from the low-lying sun can be blinding during winter, so please take extra due care and attention and have some sunglasses available to help with the glare.

👍 Be considerate of all road users – remember everyone is just trying to get from A-B safely.

You can find more advice on driving in adverse weather conditions here 👇

https://www.gov.uk/…/driving-in-adverse-weather…

Green Flag: Top tips to protect your car this winter

The UK Met Office has issued a weather warning as frequent sleet, hail and snow showers are expected to cause some disruptions. The information service is advising residents to expect travel delays, power cuts, and icy patches on roads, pavements, and cycle paths.

For cars frozen windscreens are most prevalent during these times, and drivers are reminded that it is extremely important to properly clear the ice or frost from your car before starting their journeys.

Green Flag has provided some helpful dos and don’ts to prepare drivers for the icy temperatures this winter.

Mark Newberry, Commercial Director at Green Flag, said: “Hazards can come at us from all angles when we’re on the road, so it is even more important that we can see all around us in icy and challenging, wintery weather conditions.

“It takes less than ten minutes to clear the entire windscreen from ice, not forgetting your side windows and mirrors. It’s crucial that you can also be seen by other drivers – so remember to clear your lights from ice too, before you embark on your journey.

“Remember, never be tempted to leave your car running unattended to warm up the vehicle, as not only can you face a fine, but thieves thrive on cold weather and motorists leaving their cars unattended.

“Clearing your car of ice is not only an important safety check but it is also a legal requirement – that could make the difference between a safe journey and a crash – so please follow these simple steps.”

Green Flag’s Do’s and Don’ts for de-icing your car through winter:

  • Do use a scraper. The most effective way of de-icing car windows is still with a scraper. It’s always best to use one that’s designed for the job.
  • Do try a de-icer spray. If you don’t fancy using a scraper, you can also use de-icer sprays, which are a quick and easy way of getting the job done.
  • Do de-ice all of your windows. Never drive looking through a porthole scraped in the ice on your windscreen. Hazards come at us from all angles when we’re on the road. It’s important that we can see all around us, so make sure you clear the ice from the side windows as well as the entire windscreen.
  • Don’t pour boiling water over your windscreen. It will certainly be very effective at melting the ice, but it’s also a very effective way of causing your windscreen to crack. If you’ve got a small chip or some damage that you may not have noticed, the boiling water will get into it and the sudden expansion will turn that tiny chip into a rapidly spreading crack.

For further information, see Green Flag’s expert advice for tackling a frozen windscreen here:

https://www.greenflag.com/winter-driving/what-to-do-if-your-windscreen-is-frozen

Five ways to make your car cosier

Motorists have been offered five ways to warm up their car during the chilly weather.

Travel experts from LeaseCar.uk are encouraging drivers to buy a pair gloves, make hot drinks or buy extra heating devices in order to brave the cold.

Many cars now come with the luxury of heated seats, or even heated steering wheels, whilst these luxuries aren’t available in every car, there are now plug-in alternatives.

However, the age-old favourite of letting the engine heat up shouldn’t be ignored, as this ensures hot air will be emitted.

A spokesperson from LeaseCar.uk said: “Being warm and comfortable whilst you’re driving is very important, being too cold can be extremely distracting.

“There are age old hacks such as warming the engine up before you set off and ensuring you’re wearing plenty of layers, and these shouldn’t be sniffed at.

“However, modern inventions such as heated seats and steering wheels provide a little more luxury and can be more effective at heating you up.”

These are LeaseCar.uk’s top tips for making cars cosy:

1. Gloves

Fingers are often the first to feel the cold, so keeping them warm in gloves is a must. Driving gloves are very common and can range in price from £20 to £200. Depending on whether you want the finest supple leather, or a basic material which will do the job, there’s a pair of gloves for you.

2. Steering wheel cover

When driving you always have to have two hands on the wheel, which means that touching a very cold steering wheel will undoubtedly make the driver feel the freeze. You can invest in a furry steering wheel cover which will feel warmer than cold plastic.

3. In-car heater

If your car heating doesn’t quite cut it, you can purchase an in-car heater. It plugs into the power socket and you can stick it onto the dashboard, allowing it to circulate heat throughout the car. If you’re someone who particularly feels the cold you can even use it at the same time as your normal heating.

4. Plug in seat warmer

If your car doesn’t come with heated seats, that doesn’t mean they’re something you can only dream of. You can buy seat covers which plug into the cigarette lighter and have a heating system in them, meaning you can enjoy a warm comfortable drive.

5. Hot drinks

Another way to warm your cold fingers and hands is to think ahead and prepare, or buy, a warm cup of coffee or tea. Perfect to wake you up during the commute but the got air it emits will also help increase the temperature of the car.

The motorists’ guide to driving in winter

Ice, wind and snow are some of the driving conditions motorists have been advised how to tackle in a new driving guide.

Driving experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have created a guide to driving in winter so motorists are prepared and safe on the roads no matter what the weather.

The key in most difficult conditions is to slow down and ensure drivers are in complete control of the vehicle.

Watching how other motorists are tackling the weather will also help prepare drivers for what is coming up ahead of them.

A spokesperson for LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Wintertime is undoubtedly the hardest time of year to be hitting the roads. 

“With short days it means that many journeys are taken in the dark and the unpredictable weather could mean you’re tackling wind one day and snow the next.

“This handy little guide provides the key points you should be aware of when driving in all winter weather conditions.”

This is LeaseVan.co.uk’s ultimate winter driving guide:

1. Ice

Ensure your vehicle is fully defrosted if there’s been a particularly cold night. Check your tyre tread and inflation levels in order to give you as much traction as possible when on icy surfaces. Driving slowly and in higher gears will give you more control over the vehicle and helping you cope with increased stopping distances. It’s important to remember not to brake or accelerate too quickly as this is a sure way to lose control. 

2. Wind

It’s important to keep a firm grip on your steering wheel when tackling strong winds. As always, you should be driving in the centre of the lane as this allows a small amount of wiggle space if the wind does push you to one side. Take special care when overtaking – beware of sudden gusts as you clear the vehicle, especially if it is large. 

3. Heavy rain

It’s important to driver slower when it’s raining due to the roads being wetter giving the vehicle less grip. This means that you will need a bigger space to come to a complete stop than when driving in the dry. Heavy rain can also have a large impact on visibility, which again means you should slow down. Reducing speed will also help reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

4. Darkness

Your lights are your best friends when driving in the dark, but it’s important to use them responsibly. Many vehicles now come with automatic lights, but if you have a vehicle which doesn’t it’s important to remember to turn them on, and off, when needed. Stick to full beam lights if you’re on a motorway or lit road. If you’re on a quiet country road remember to turn your fog lights on and off as and when you approach other vehicles. 

5. Snow

If you end up in snow, set off in second gear as this helps avoid wheelspin. Stay in the lower gears to keep as much control as possible, even when going downhill. The key to driving in snow is to break, accelerate and change gears as smoothly and gently as you can.