Road safety is an important part of our day-to-day lives: from driving to school or to work, walking to the shops or to see friends – staying safe when out and about is crucial.
In adverse weather conditions, road safety becomes even more important. Each new season brings with it different conditions that can be hazardous for all road users, whether you’re in the car, on a bike, or on foot.
Let’s start with the cold:
Winter
Wintery weather is notorious for causing problems on the roads; ice, frost, snow and excess rain create a challenging set of driving conditions. Here’s a checklist of things to consider before driving in wintery weather:
- Make sure heaters, defrosters and windscreen wipers all work
- Check tyre pressure
- Double check that all lights are working properly
- Create an emergency kit to ensure you are prepared should the weather change or you breakdown, including a high-visibility vest, torch, extra clothes and a blanket.
When it comes to driving safely in winter, here are some things to remember:
- ‘Two second rule’ – keep two seconds’ distance from the car in front, this will allow you to slow down in time to avoid potential collisions
- Look out for obstacles, for example, ice or slush on the roads
- Be vigilant and extra aware of other road users by keeping your distance and reducing your speed
For cyclists and pedestrians, it’s especially important to stand out during the dark – wearing bright, reflective clothing will help drivers see you during dark winter nights and mornings.
Spring
As the days get longer and things start to brighten up you may be forgiven for thinking the worst is behind you, but spring can also throw up some adverse weather conditions.
From bursts of rain to chilly evenings, spring can be a deceptive season and it can be hard to judge the weather conditions before you step outside or rev up your engine.
Typically, the sun will be high in the sky during the day and cool at night. But March to May can see everything from wind and rain to Jack Frost.
Driving, cycling and walking in heavy winds and rain is particularly dangerous. In the rain, it is a lot harder to stop because there is less grip on the roads, so it’s important to slow down and take your time in these conditions.
For pedestrians and cyclists, given that visibility is a lot more difficult in the rain, it’s best to stay safe by wearing bright clothing and appropriate footwear.
Driving in strong winds can also be very dangerous – keeping both hands on the wheel at all times and reducing your speed are two top tips to avoid accidents in extreme winds. Motorcyclists should avoid riding if winds are too high.
Summer
Summertime, and the living is easy. Or maybe not.
Driving in the heat can be tough, especially for young families. Our top tips are to ensure you have cool drinks ready to go and keep your little ones protected from the sun.
For all drivers, rising temperatures can affect the pressure of tyres. Make sure you check your tyres before you set off, especially on long road trips.
During sunrise and at sunset, sun glare can be a hazard for drivers. It can make it difficult to identify pedestrians, read road signs and see traffic lights. It is advised to wear sunglasses to reduce glare and if possible, avoid taking to the roads when sun glare is particularly bad in the morning and evening.
The roads will also be busier than usual in the summer – so keep those sunnies on and stay mindful of other road users, like pedestrians and cyclists, who are also making the most of the roads on summer days.
Autumn
As summer ends, the most noticeable signal that autumn has arrived is the leaves falling from the trees.
Falling leaves may be fun to crunch but they can cause problems for cyclists and motorcyclists, and even for pedestrians, especially when leaves become wet and slippery. Take extra care to avoid a fall or an accident if you’re heading out on a bike or on foot during autumn.
From the colours of autumn to the beach weather in summer, each new season is different. But remember that staying safe on the roads, especially when faced with adverse weather, is a yearlong task.
Author bio: Thompsons Solicitors is a leading UK personal injury law firm with a wealth of expertise in winning road traffic accident claims. Not only do our lawyers support people who have been injured on the roads, we also campaign to increase the awareness of road safety through our Stay Road Safe campaign.
