Driving in all seasons

Road conditions can change in a split second so knowing how to adjust your driving according to changing weather can help you stay safe come rain or shine.It’s also a good idea to prepare your vehicle for changing weather conditions and ensure you’re carrying everything you need with you.

The notoriously unreliable British weather can change in a moment, whatever the season but we’ve created some top tips to follow below to help.

Our advice would be not to travel in heavy rainstorms unless absolutely necessary, but if you do have to travel, check the Highway Code Wet Weather advice and also consider the following: 

• Your stopping distance will be at least double.
• If in any doubt, do not attempt to drive through flood water – find an alternative route 
• Keep your distance from the driver in front as your view of the road could be impaired.

Stay safe on the roads during times of extreme weather or flooding

• Don’t drive through standing water – as well as the water damaging your car, there may be hazards under the water you can’t see.
• If you see a sign to say that the road is closed due to flooding, please turn around and find an alternative route – don’t attempt to drive through.
• When driving, if heavy rain is making visibility difficult, slow right down or pull over if possible.
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in floodwater and you are trapped inside it, call the fire service for assistance and calls will be prioritised where there is a risk to life.
• Do not call 999 to tow a vehicle out of flood water. If your vehicle is stuck in floodwater and your road recovery company tells you to ask the fire service for assistance, please note, we will only attend if there is a risk to life.

Check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take care and allow more time for your journey. 

• Avoid any sudden actions that could cause you to lose control e.g. harsh breaking or accelerating and sharp turning and approach every corner or bend slowly.
• Leave a considerable amount of room between yourself and the vehicle in front. In icy conditions stopping distances can increase by 10x that of dry conditions.
• Clear all snow or ice from the vehicle.
• Access the Highway Code guidance for further advice on what to do when driving in snow/ice. 

Sun glare

• Slow down and allow more space between yourself and other vehicles.
• Use the car sun visor
• Wear sunglasses while driving
• Keep the windscreen as clean as possible as a dirty windscreen or smears can make sun glare worse.

Driving in fog

• Only use fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced and below 100 metres.
• Use dipped headlights, wipers and demisters.
• Beware of other drivers not using their headlights.
• If visibility is seriously reduced consider stopping until it’s safe to continue your journey.
• Only drive as fast as the conditions safely allow.
• Slow down and eave more space between you and the vehicle in front.
• Check your mirrors before you slow down and make sure you brake slowly