Be prepared: essential tips for safe driving in poor conditions

As the year draws to a close, many will recall the heavy flooding in many parts of England and Wales during the summer. With the possibility of more bad weather to come, there are many preparations which may help ensure that the periods of bad weather and less unpleasant reduce the risks for yourself and your property, but with Christmas and other concerns at the forefront of the minds most people, these often go hand. A recent study by the Highways Agency found that more than half of those drivers who choose to continue to travel by car, regardless of weather warnings, with a third admit to not check your vehicle or route before leaving. Failure to take into account the time in this manner can have disastrous consequences, and there are a lot of simple precautions that can save the fight later. Before setting out, you should always be sure that your car has been recently MOT services and is updated at the beginning of winter, in a timely manner, taking into account that the service centres and shops will be closed during the holiday period. Make sure that all the lights, including fog lights are clean and working, increase the levels of oil, water and antifreeze screenwash and add to the radiator. The battery and the tyres should also be controlled at the moment - is especially important to have a good depth of tires on wet or snowy. When planning a trip, remember that it is likely to take longer than usual in bad weather. Apart from the possibility of roads covered with ice or snow or accidents causing delays, stopping distances are increased even in the rain and the roads may be busier than usual. If the visibility is poor due to darkness or fog is sensitive to drive slower and be very aware of their environment, and during school vacations carefully monitored for children, who can run or bike on the road . Never drive tired - delayed reactions can be extremely dangerous. Remember that if you run into serious evil fog, snow or floods, it is possible to stay longer than you planned along its route, so it makes sense to be prepared by packing spare warm clothes and boots in the car along with the spare tyre, and even some snacks, water and money. Finally, it is important to be prepared for eventualities such as black ice and skidding, and this is particularly crucial for the younger and less experienced drivers or if they have recently received a new vehicle. If you do not trust driving with low visibility or know what to do in emergencies, think of obtaining advice or training for a driver with more experience and do not drive if you do not have to: " better than cure & 39; It is the key here. You can also consider taking a course Pass Plus, aimed at new drivers, who may have only six hours and includes modules for driving at night and in bad weather. In addition to increasing confidence and driving skills, Pass Plus can give you a good discount on the automobile insurance - which, of course, must be one of the first things you check that it is so far before driving, regardless of conditions. Adam Singleton is a line, a freelance journalist and a great gardener. She lives in Scotland with her two dogs. misty gale



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