Winter Driving Tips
February 11, 2016 1:36 pmIn the UK we are seeing an increasing number of weather related emergencies and this year looks to be no different. As an example counties across the UK have been affected by unprecedented flooding in recent years. This can not only cause considerable damage to homes, businesses and land as the water level rises, but also makes it difficult for others to reach the area and help.
Unlike countries where extreme conditions are commonplace, we aren’t well equipped to deal with anything out of the ordinary, either on a national or individual basis. Across Europe, fitting snow chains onto family cars is an annual event, as snow regularly falls during the winter season. In the UK we never know whether to expect snow, so when it does fall, things grind to a standstill.
Whilst children are delighted by the opportunity to head for the hills with their sledges or spend hours building snowmen in place of a typical school day, it can have a negative impact on many in the community. It is vital that healthcare professionals and emergency services can get to work and the impact could also be detrimental to people awaiting important financial decisions, repair work, international business deal or tourist trade. There will also be people who need to collect their children or care for elderly relatives.
Equipped for Necessary Journeys
When the weather is bad, we are generally advised to avoid any unnecessary journeys, but if it important to us or others we may feel the need to make a journey. Not every vehicle is suited to driving through floods, snow and other conditions, so if you know you are heading to a potentially treacherous region, it might be worth investing in car hire for a day, weekend or longer period of time.
Car hire means that you can find a suitable vehicle that will give you the confidence to make your journey. With an elevated driving position, enhanced power and control, 4×4 vehicles are the obvious choice for getting about. If you need to move items, from other stranded cars, to farm animals, people’s belongings or emergency equipment, 4×4 tow car hire could fit the bill. As an example, if you have to head off to remote locations in the Yorkshire moors and feel you could benefit from tow car hire, Leeds based 4×4 Vehicle Hire can assist.
Preparation is Crucial
No matter what vehicle you drive, preparation is crucial for a safe journey. Be sure to pack tools, ideally including a shovel, torch and ice scraper. Put plenty of warm clothing items in the vehicle; it might be warm when you are driving and have the heating on, but if you get stuck or need to get out of the vehicle, you’ll want a thick coat, hat and gloves. It is also advisable to carry blankets and other warm layers. It is also worth taking plenty of water and food for the journey.
Before you go, plan your route and stick to major roads where possible, as these are most likely to have been gritted. Alternative routes that you use for shortcuts are likely to be inaccessible. If you know you’re heading off the beaten track, you may want to carry gritting salt.
Check the tyre pressure and tread of your vehicle, ensure lights and windscreen are cleared and top up with fuel and screen wash before making a long journey. When driving you need to ensure that you make allowances for the conditions. This typically means reducing your speed, allowing a greater stopping distance, braking, steering and accelerating in a controlled manner and giving way to other drivers.
With the right vehicle, preparations and approach to driving extreme weather doesn’t need to stop you from getting around.