January 5, 2010

Snow time to drive a cold snap bites.

Many areas of Britain are covered in a blanket of snow this evening, bringing joy to children as their schools are closed, but misery for commuters who’s normally slow journeys grind to a freezing halt. 

The belt of snow moving South during the course of the evening is making all forms of transport something of a nightmare, but affecting drivers among the most. 

Gritter lorries are out attempting to keep as many road open as possible, with the motorways being gritted and ploughed to keep the country moving, but progress is still slow.

In addition to the treacherous driving conditions it’s the toughest time for your car too with the RAC reporting that yesterday (4th Jan), was one of the busiest days in its 112 year history.

With patrols attending more than 15,000 breakdowns, RAC expects today to be just as busy, predicting more than 13,000 breakdowns by the end of the day.  The past fortnight has seen motor rescue providers inundated with calls; the RAC had attended nearly 160,000 alone.

As of 10:00 am today, RAC had already attended 3,500 breakdowns and is taking an additional 1,400 callouts an hour making the prospect of 500,000 call outs nationwide a real possibility.

With worsening weather, coming at what is for many the first day back at school, the conditions are set for a perfect commuter storm.  The RAC is expecting Britain's roads to be slow-moving and congested with freezing temperatures and icy surfaces making driving conditions particularly difficult.

RAC is advising motorists avoid to travelling unless it is absolutely necessary. Prakesh Patel, RAC Patrol Ambassador of the Year, advised: "Motorists should ensure they allow plenty of time to reach their destination safe and sound. Where possible drivers should keep to the main roads that will have been gritted, make sure they take plenty of warm clothing, hot drinks and food and a fully charged mobile phone in case of breakdown."

Before departing, drivers should check local traffic information and weather reports for their journey.  There are many websites that will offer good advice and local radio will offer sensible guidelines.

Motorists who are planning to travel will benefit from carrying out some basic maintenance before setting out. To help motorists avoid a breakdown, RAC has put together the following tips:

Tips For Winter Driving
• If the forecast or conditions are bad, only drive if it is absolutely necessary
• When you're on the road, leave at least a three-second gap between you and the car in front
• Check local traffic and weather reports for their planned route
• On long journeys keep you car well-ventilated to prevent drowsiness – and take regular breaks
• Plan your journey in advance and check for diversions or closures
• Keep an up-to-date roadmap in the car
• Let friends or family know where you are travelling and when you expect to arrive
• Keep a fully-charged mobile phone with you in case of breakdown
• Wrap up warm and take a blanket, waterproof clothing, sensible footwear and a fully charged mobile phone in case of breakdown
• If you begin to skid, turn into the skid to correct it

Your vehicle

Before heading off, RAC advises motorists to make the following checks:

• Check tyre pressure (spare tyre too!), tread depth and oil level
• Check all lights are working correctly and remember to keep them clean
• Check front and rear wiper blades for wear or splitting
• Screen wash additive should be added to prevent freezing
• Make sure you have enough fuel for your journey
• Check anti-freeze should be added to your vehicles cooling system in line with the manufacturers specification
• Before setting out on a journey, remove ice and snow from your vehicles windows and lights. Do not drive with a small hole cut through the ice on your windscreen. The Highway Code states that it is illegal to drive with poor visibility. Ensure you demist the windows properly before you drive off
• Do not use hot water from a kettle to clear your windows, as this may crack the glass
• Carry a key de-icer with you to unfreeze frozen locks.

For the coming couple of weeks driving conditions are likely to be challenging and in many cases dangerous,  but being prepared and sensible will help drivers make the most of our current ‘winter wonderland’.

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