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eTyres care about our customers. The
following article may be of interest.
Driving conditions and the changing of the
seasons
by Sophie Evans
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.
About the Author
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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