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While us Brits are accustomed to driving in heavy rains, our climate means that many of us can go for years without experiencing other types of adverse weather conditions on the road such as snow, ice, or unusually high heats. However, it’s important that we understand how we should alter our driving behaviour in these circumstances, so that we can stay safe should we find ourselves on the roads in these conditions. Here’s what you need to know.
Snow
The Government recommends avoiding driving in snowy conditions unless the journey is absolutely essential. If you must drive in the snow, ensure your tires have a 3mm minimum tread for grip, and focus on your speed. The Institute of Advanced Motorists recommends a consistent speed that’s fast enough so that you maintain motion through the buildup, but slow enough that you can stop safely, even allowing for increased stopping distances.
Ice
Driving in icy conditions is often likened to driving in snow, but there are additional considerations drivers should make to ensure they stay safe on the roads. It is recommended that you lower your speed to approximately half the advertised speed limit, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Skidding is a common problem on icy roads, but remember that trying to recover from a skid could be dangerous. Instead, remove your foot from the brake and drive into the skid. Only employ the brake if you cannot stop safely. Again, it is recommended you avoid driving on icy roads unless the journey is absolutely necessary.
High Heats
Fortunately, in the UK the highest average heats we tend to experience aren’t quite hot enough to create concern, but if we’re having a heatwave, or you’re driving in a hot country, be sure to keep your vehicle’s engine as cool as possible. Turn your air conditioning off to remove some of the strain on the engine, and always ensure that coolant levels are topped up before making a journey. Coolant can give protection up to 123 – 125 degrees celsius depending on the type of coolant you use, and the dilution rate.
Bright Sun
The official word on driving in bright, sunny conditions is that, if you are struggling to see the road in front of you, slow down and stop if necessary. Sun glare can temporarily blind a driver, and even though this only lasts for seconds, it’s long enough to present a real danger on the roads. Make use of your visors, and keep a pair of sunglasses handy. If possible, try to avoid driving into the sun by timing your non-essential journeys so that you’re not driving at sunrise or sunset, when the sun is lowest in the sky.
Strong Winds
It is advised that drivers slow down during periods of high wind, and take particular care when driving in open areas that are not protected by buildings or foliage, such as across bridges for example. In very adverse conditions, it is recommended drivers take alternative routes to avoid open, unprotected areas. A secondary concern is debris that can be blown into the path of your vehicle – stay vigilant at all times.
Fog
One of the most common mistakes when driving in foggy conditions is using the brightest lights you can. Although it sounds like a good idea, all this does is light up the fog. You won’t see any better, and you may actually be dazzled by the reflection, Instead, use your dipped headlights which aim the beam at the road, rather than directly into the fog. Also be picky as to when to use your fog lights. Fog lights should only be used in visibility of less than 100 metres, otherwise other drivers could be temporarily blinded by the brightness.
Heavy Rain
Stopping distances in wet conditions are doubled, which means it’s important to watch your speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Heavy rain may affect your tire’s ability to grip the road, so maintain a slower speed than the speed limit, and take care when driving behind HGVs which could create spray that greatly reduces visibility. If it is safe to do so, overtake HGVs, or reduce your speed to increase the gap between the vehicles.
Only Drive if Absolutely Necessary
Remember that adverse weather conditions greatly increase the risk of accidents on the road, and that, in some cases, you should consider whether your journey is necessary. In periods of heavy snowfall or thick ice, it is recommended that you only make essential journeys, and stay at home if you can to reduce risk, both for yourself and others.
