There are well over a million road traffic accidents worldwide every year. In the UK, our weather is one of the major causes of accidents. For example, in 2006 a driver, skidding on black ice, ploughed into a group of cyclists. The driver killed 4 of them.
At Keith Michaels, we are in the business of insuring your vehicle against accidents and helping drivers get back on the roads after them.
Driving in winter can be dangerous. Icy roads, bad weather and poor visibility all play a part in making winter driving a serious hazard. Ice on the roads is estimated to increase the likelihood of an accident by 77%. Whether you’re a new driver, or a veteran of many winters, it’s important to keep in mind a few tips that will keep you from wrapping your car around a lamp post.
How To Control A Skid
If you feel your wheels slipping the most important thing to do is stay calm. Stomping on the brake or the gas pedal, or wildly steering the wheel will make the situation much worse. Take a breath and maintain control.
Driving In Bad Weather
When the weather gets bad and visibility is reduced, it’s time to revise the Two Second Rule for spacing between cars. Increase your safe following distance to 6 seconds rather than 2. If you are in a rush during poor weather conditions, you can an extreme hazard to both yourself and others. Here are some tips for driving in bad weather.
Snow
Snow is more common than people think and be a real danger to motorists, particularly in the countryside. If you have to drive in the snow, make sure you take precautions. Driving during winter can be dangerous, but with a little preparation and a little careful driving, you’ll be fine this winter.