In 2024 to this point, the Nationwide Met Workplace has recorded 292 Yellow Climate Warnings; 123 of which have been rain, 66 thunderstorm, 44 snow, 44 wind, 39 ice and a couple of fog.
A current research performed by GAP insurance coverage suppliers, ALA Insurance coverage, delved into behaviours throughout difficult climate situations, uncovering precious insights into the impression of dangerous climate on driver confidence.
They discovered {that a} staggering 82% of drivers are both deterred from driving or really feel much less assured on the roads when confronted with unfavourable climate situations.
With this in thoughts, and to assist promote driver confidence and highway security, ALA have compiled the most well-liked TikTok suggestions and have had their specialists weigh in on the recommendation.
Hottest TikTok suggestions for driving in dangerous climate
1. Use air con to stop condensation throughout home windows
Callum Butler, Insurance coverage Professional at ALA Insurance coverage says “Utilising air con in moist climate is an efficient technique. It helps preserve optimum visibility by stopping condensation on home windows, which is essential for secure driving in hostile situations.
Nevertheless, in extraordinarily chilly situations, it would contribute to frost formation on the surface of home windows. In such instances, adjusting the temperature and utilizing the defrost setting might be extra acceptable.”
2. Flip off the automated start-stop operate in floods
“Disabling the automated start-stop operate throughout floods is a clever transfer. This function may be unreliable in submerged situations and would possibly result in surprising engine shutdown, compromising your capacity to navigate flooded areas safely,” explains Butler.
3. Navigate by means of road-wide floods or puddles within the center the place it’s shallower
“Selecting the center of road-wide floods works nicely as a result of it reduces the chance of water getting into your automobile and ensures a shallower crossing, minimising the potential for hydroplaning or lack of management.”
4. Keep away from utilizing fog lights in wet situations at any time when doable, as they will replicate off the moist highway
“Whereas fog lights are designed for low visibility situations, their use in wet climate can create glare off moist surfaces. It’s advisable to chorus from utilizing them until visibility is considerably impaired by fog.”
5. Chorus from utilizing cruise management to stop potential lack of management on moist surfaces
“Disengaging cruise management in moist situations is a security precaution. It ensures drivers preserve direct management over acceleration, lowering the chance of skidding or dropping management on slippery surfaces.”
6. Faucet your brakes gently after driving by means of water to facilitate drying
“Gently tapping your brakes post-water crossing is a sensible measure. This motion helps take away water from the brake elements, enhancing their effectiveness and lowering the chance of brake fade in subsequent braking manoeuvres,” says Callum.
ALA Insurance coverage believes that these findings won’t solely contribute to a greater understanding of driver behaviour in hostile climate situations but additionally help in selling safer driving practices. Now in February, it’s essential for drivers to concentrate on potential flood dangers and undertake precautionary measures to make sure highway security.
