As Britain braces itself for a mix of wintry weather, Stockport based C&C Insurance Brokers are advising drivers “Be safe not sorry; prepare for the wet, winter weather”
Drivers will have a better chance of staying safe if they are prepared; driving in wet conditions can be dangerous, even driving on your local roads can become hazardous during heavy downpours.
Below are a few tips from C&C to ensure you keep safe whilst driving in wet condition:-
You must use headlights when your visibility is reduced, generally when you are unable to see for more than 100 metres. If using front or rear fog lights you must switch them off when visibility improves.
Leave at least double the amount of distance you would normally leave between your car and the car in front, stopping distances increase when roads are wet.
If possible try to avoid driving through standing water. If you are not sure how deep the water is, drive slowly and steadily to avoid creating a bow wave, allow oncoming traffic to pass first. Always test your brakes as soon as you can after driving through water. If you have no alternative but to drive through standing water, drive slowly and use a low gear so the engine rev’s are higher; water in the exhaust could otherwise damage the catalytic convertor.
Driving fast through standing water can be dangerous and can also cause serious and expensive damage. Tyres can lose contact with the road as can control of steering, if this does happen, take your foot gently off the accelerator and hold the steering wheel lightly until the tyres regain their grip.
Water spray from the road can also be very dangerous. In a second spray can cover your windscreen and reduce visibility to almost zero. Be extra careful after a bout of rain has ended, when your wipers are off but when there is still water on the road. If spray hits your windscreen in these circumstances you will be effectively blinded until you have switched your wipers back on and they have cleared your windscreen.
To keep spray to a minimum, create a good distance between you and the vehicle in front. If you see a heavy vehicle coming towards you then switch the wipers to full speed in readiness of a large quantity of water hitting your windscreen.
In the event of a breakdown in wet weather, avoid propping the bonnet open whilst waiting for help to arrive. It can cause the electrics to become damp, this may result in the engine becoming more difficult to start again.
Remember to drive safely and consider other drivers and pedestrians.