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Drivers need to prepare for winter
21 November 2011
Company car drivers should not be fooled by the surprisingly mild start to the winter and should prepare thoroughly for the months ahead by carrying out rigorous vehicle checks and including extra equipment, like shovels, warm clothing and reflective jackets, in their vehicles, says Fleet Alliance as a recent survey reveals that one in three drivers is not prepared for the onset of winter driving conditions.
The UK has endured two colder than average winters in a row, with forecasts for a repeat performance this year. Local councils have ordered in record levels of rock salt and grit to keep roads clear, while many tyre distributors have increased stocks of winter tyres.
However, the severe weather has so far failed to appear with mild conditions across much of the country, a fact which has left many drivers unprepared should conditions change for the worse.
According to a survey by Manheim Auctions, many drivers who think they are ready for winter are failing to carry essential items in their car such as warm clothing, jump leads and a shovel.
In addition, fewer than 5% of motorists are planning to buy winter tyres this year even though weather forecasters are already predicting another winter of chaos on the roads.
The survey found that only 33% of respondents carry warm clothing, only 25% keep jump leads in the car and just 21% carry a shovel. Fewer still, 19%, carry a warning triangle while only 17% carry a reflective jacket.
“This survey shows that many drivers are not prepared for a harsh winter, contrary to all the forecasts,” said Martin Brown, managing director at Fleet Alliance.” With bad weather forecast, it is as well to be thoroughly prepared for all eventualities.”
Fleet Alliance is offering the following 10 good practice tips for winter driving this year:
21 November 2011
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The UK has endured two colder than average winters in a row, with forecasts for a repeat performance this year. Local councils have ordered in record levels of rock salt and grit to keep roads clear, while many tyre distributors have increased stocks of winter tyres.
However, the severe weather has so far failed to appear with mild conditions across much of the country, a fact which has left many drivers unprepared should conditions change for the worse.
According to a survey by Manheim Auctions, many drivers who think they are ready for winter are failing to carry essential items in their car such as warm clothing, jump leads and a shovel.
In addition, fewer than 5% of motorists are planning to buy winter tyres this year even though weather forecasters are already predicting another winter of chaos on the roads.
The survey found that only 33% of respondents carry warm clothing, only 25% keep jump leads in the car and just 21% carry a shovel. Fewer still, 19%, carry a warning triangle while only 17% carry a reflective jacket.
“This survey shows that many drivers are not prepared for a harsh winter, contrary to all the forecasts,” said Martin Brown, managing director at Fleet Alliance.” With bad weather forecast, it is as well to be thoroughly prepared for all eventualities.”
Fleet Alliance is offering the following 10 good practice tips for winter driving this year:
- Check your tyres, brakes, lights, antifreeze and windscreen fluid regularly. Clean your windscreen inside and out, and check thoroughly for scratches, chips and abrasions.
- Pay special attention to your windscreen wipers which normally are only effective for around two years. New blades clean the screen far more efficiently.
- Check all tyres for condition, tread depth and pressure. If the tread depth is getting low, consider replacing them now before the onset of winter.
- Reduce your speed, stay further back from the vehicle in front, drive defensively and allow yourself and others around you more time to react. Your vehicle will take much longer to stop on a wet surface, particularly if covered with leaves or slush.
- Slow earlier for junctions, intersections, roundabouts and traffic lights, so you don't have to brake or corner so hard. Adapt your driving speed to visibility.
- At sunset or sunrise beware of dazzle from low sun. If driving into the sun, be aware that drivers behind you may be dazzled and may not see you if you stop. If the sun is low behind you, be aware that oncoming drivers may be dazzled.
- Use dimmed or dipped headlights as soon as you notice a reduction in visibility. If vehicles approaching in the opposite lane have their lights on, it probably means that you should too, as visibility ahead is poor.
- Only use foglights in extreme conditions, such as when the vehicles in front become difficult to see, and always remember to switch them off when conditions improve.
- If your vehicle is not equipped with ABS, should the wheels lock, release the brake briefly so that you can steer. With ABS you can ‘stomp and steer’ – keep your foot on the brake and steer.
- Take regular breaks, even if you're in a hurry. It will help you concentrate better, especially when doing long hauls in poor or foggy conditions.
Phone: 0845 601 8407 | Email: info@fleetalliance.co.uk | Legal information |
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