Driving in Severe Weather

winter driving DTC UK

Driving in Severe Weather

Weather, especially in the UK, can be unpredictable and turn quickly, making roads treacherous. Rain, snow, ice, high winds, fog and bright sun all significantly increase the risks on roads. Stopping distances can double in the wet and increase ten-fold in ice and snow. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that if you can not see a hazard, you will not be able to react. DTC Driving Test Services, along with “Brake” would advise all drivers to use the ABC method and drive safely. Driving in Severe Weather, Avoid, Be prepared, Careful and Cautious Driving.

Driving in Severe Weather – Avoid

If possible, avoid driving in severe weather conditions such as snow, fog or heavy rain and high winds. Never set off when it’s snowing heavily or if it’s forecast to snow. Consider alternatives like public transport. If you normally drive to work, speak to your employer in advance about home-working arrangements when the weather is bad. This is especially important if you live in a rural area prone to snow or flooding.

Driving in Severe Weather – Be Prepared

Even if you avoid setting off in dangerous weather conditions, you could get caught out. DTC Driving Test Services would suggest that you acronym F.L.O.W.E.R.Y. and check the following. That’s Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, Rubber Yourself. Check that you have enough fuel for the journey. Check oil and water. Use a good quality screenwash that protects down to at least -35 to prevent the water from freezing. If you don’t, your windscreen wipers could be rendered useless in extreme conditions. Check all electrics such as horn, heating and wipers. Make sure tyres and wiper blades (Rubber) are up to the required standard. Finally, the ask Yourself, “Is the journey essential. Is it safe for me to drive?”

Driving in Severe Weather – The Met Office

The Met office is the National weather service in the UK, which provides all information of the weather across the country and world. There’ll issue weather warning depending on the severity of the weather.  They have 3 primarily warning colours. Red Warning –  Dangerous weather is expected and, if you haven’t already done so, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather. It is very likely that there will be a risk to life. Amber Warning – There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans. Yellow Warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations. Many are issued when it is likely that the weather will cause somehow low-level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places.

There are many places where you can get weather updates, such as the news and radio. It is always good to consider check the weather when to expect there to be poor weather conditions.  Always plan your journey, so you know which the best route for you to take is. Check your road conditions of that route, is it safe to travel to on. During the early hours of the day, road/weather condition can be more difficult to drive on, consider if leaving later in the day may be a better choice.

Driving in Severe Weather – Careful Driving

If you do get caught in severe weather, follow these steps to minimise the dangers.

Driving in Severe Weather – Maintain a safe gap 

At 30mph in good weather condition with good tyres fitted and an alert driver, it will take 23 meters to bring a car to a stop. This distance is doubled in wet weather and multiplied by 10 and snow and ice. Therefore, the first rule is to increase the distance from the vehicle in front of you. Never hang on someone else’s tail lights. This can provide a false sense of security. It also means that you’re not fully focussed on the road.

Driving in Severe Weather – Slow Down

You should always be able to stop within the distance that you can see to be clear. Taking into account that your stopping distance is doubled in the rain and multiplied by 10 in snow and ice, you need that extra distance to react to hazards. You need to start braking twice as early in the rain for hazards such as bends, traffic lights and junctions. Always stay well within the speed limit and look out for temporary speed limit signs. Furthermore, never speed up suddenly if fog seems to have cleared. Fog can be patchy and you may suddenly re-enter it.

Driving in Severe Weather – Wipers = Headlight

If you need to use the wiper blades than you should also be using your headlights. Put headlights on in gloomy weather and when visibility is reduced. Headlights not only help you see but they also help other road users to see you earlier. Use front and rear fog lights in dense fog. The use of fog lights is a legal requirement when visibility is less than 100 meters. Remember to switch off fog lights when visibility improves.

Driving in Severe Weather – Snow & Ice

If caught in the snow, use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Brake gently to avoid locking the wheels. Try and get into a low gear earlier than normal which will allow the speed of the vehicle to fall gradually. Take corners very slowly and steer gently and steadily to avoid skidding. If you get stuck in snow, stay in the vehicle unless help is visible within 100 yards. Do not abandon your vehicle as this may hold up rescue vehicles.

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