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Driving conditions and the changing of the seasons Over the past few weeks the weather has taken a turn. The sky is grey more often than it is blue and there is a damp chill in the air. The seasons are changing and the UK is on the verge of yet another dreary winter, in fact this winter is predicted to be exceptionally long and cold. We're all used to it by now, but unfortunately our resignation and acceptance of wet winters doesn't mean that we adjust to the changes in driving conditions quite as easily. There are 6,393 more accidents involving cars on the UK's roads in winter than there are during the summer months. A frightening statistic which clearly shows why we all need to buckle up and drive more carefully when it's cold out. We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be. One minute the sun will be shining and the birds singing, the next minute you'll be struggling to see out of the car window because of freezing fog or driving rain. Situations like this are precarious as icy and wet roads make it difficult to stop quickly and low visibility results in collisions. It is recommended that you stay at home and avoid unnecessary car journeys when the weather conditions take a nose dive. However, many people simply cannot avoid leaving home for whatever reason. If this applies to you there are some vital safety measures that you should take to avoid being involved in a car accident. Adjust your driving to suit the weather * Wet roads make stopping distances a least double those required to stop on a dry road because your tyres will have less grip. To prevent a car accident from happening you should keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Instead of the normal 2 second rule you should leave at least a 4 second gap in between you. * If the weather is icy or snowy you should try to avoid driving if you can. If you do have to venture out make sure you have provisions for an emergency. You should carry a spade, warm clothing, food, a warm drink and a torch. You should make sure that you can see out of all your windows. You must drive extremely slowly and keep a safe distance from other cars as stopping distances can be ten times greater than in normal conditions. * On an icy road you should drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible. Braking should be done extremely gently. Take extra care around bends. * In windy weather you should drive carefully and be very aware of other vehicles especially high sided vehicles and motorcyclists. * When it's foggy your main problem is the complete lack of visibility that you might encounter. You should use your fog lights remembering to switch them off as soon as you leave the fog. You should keep a safe distance from other road users and realise that you may not be able to judge the speed of other vehicles. You should slow down using your brakes so that the drivers behind you can see that you are slowing down. In the worst case scenario you should take into consideration that you might get stuck. Bad weather can cause traffic and cars often break down because of the conditions or due to mechanical faults. If you do get into a situation like this there are a few key things to do to keep you safe. * If you can, use a motorway emergency phone as the emergency services or breakdown services will be able to locate you more easily. * Stay with your vehicle so that your car doesn't obstruct snow ploughs and rescue vehicles. * If you do have to leave the car make sure that you're visible. * Don't keep your engine on in order to stay warm. In an ideal world we would all be able to stay at home with a cup of cocoa and work on a lap top. Sadly this type of luxury doesn't extend to everybody, so braving the elements becomes a necessity. If you simply have to go to work or have to pick the kids up from school when it's icy and cold, then follow the tips above to make sure you get to your destination in one piece. If you are involved in an accident during the winter months then help is at hand. Car Accident Advice Line, www.car-accident-claim.com can help you out of a sticky situation. If you need to make a personal injury claim or need a replacement car, then they will be of assistance. ENDS- Editorial notes: Car Accident Adviceline www.car-accident-claim.com, 0808 143 43 42, is an independent company that works towards claiming compensation for people who have had a non fault car accident. Their services are completely free to use as all car hire charges and legal fees are recovered from the person at faults' insurance company or written off.
By Sophie Evans - Car Accident Adviceline www.car-accident-claim.com
0808 143 43 42 - Claiming compensation for people involved in non-fault accidents.
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