We all love talking about the weather – it’s a British trait!  UK weather can quickly go from one extreme to another.  Drivers should take extra care during winter months if weather conditions are bad, when heading out onto the roads.

So what can be done if weather conditions turn from bad to worse? 

Many accidents can be avoided if drivers take changes in driving conditions into account.  Most of us just carry on as usual and don’t appreciate that our cars perform differently in different conditions. 

Sometimes driving is unavoidable, but you should only drive if your journey is essential.  Forward planning can make all the difference to you and others on the roads around you.  www.motorinsurance.co.uk provides some helpful tips to make sure you are prepared for poor weather conditions:

Before You Go

• Plan your journey in advance and allow more time to get there.

• Check and re-check the weather forecast before you set off.
• Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you should arrive.
• Take a fully charged mobile phone with you and a hands free kit.
• Make sure your servicing is up to date, that the car is reliable including the battery, and has plenty of anti-freeze.
• Arrange breakdown cover in case you do run into trouble.
• Check the water and oil levels in your car.
• Check the wiper blades are not worn.
• Check the tyre pressure and the tyre tread depth.
• Make sure you have a full tank of petrol.
• Put some extra clothes and a torch in the car.
• Always have some water and food with you.
• Take some de-icer and a windscreen scraper.
• Completely clear your windows, headlights and mirrors before you set off.

On The Road

• Stick to main roads if you can rather than using country lanes or back streets
• Stay a reasonable distance behind the car in front; this will give you a greater opportunity to see potential obstacles before they happen. 
• Listen to the radio for traffic and weather updates.
• If visibility is poor, make sure you use dipped headlights and reduce your speed.
• If you should skid whilst driving, ease off the accelerator and don’t brake suddenly.

The top three reasons for breakdowns are battery failure, tyre problems and running out of fuel – most of which could be avoided with a little bit of forethought.

If you do happen to get into trouble whilst out in the car in poor weather, stop somewhere safe if possible to make a call – never make a call whilst driving without using a hands free kit.  If you are on a motorway, use the emergency roadside telephones – the emergency services will be able to locate you quicker than if you use a mobile phone.

Paul Cosh, Managing Director of www.motorinsurance.co.uk comments:

‘When severe weather conditions hit it’s best to stay off the road completely, but if your journey is absolutely essential then make sure you are prepared in advance and proceed with extreme caution.’