Drive Safe! #CarCareClub

The weather is somewhat turbulent at this time of year. We seem to be able to start the day in glorious sunshine and by lunchtime the water is streaming of the road and the winds blowing branches into your path. That’s if you’ve managed to escape the snow, ice and hail that might have arrived too.Yesterday was an amazing day here, clear bright blue skys but on the way to a meeting I saw three cars who had all skidded on black ice. One of which had also taken another car with them. Thankfully the owners of the cars were ok but I suspect they’ll be car shopping soon.

LV Insurance want to help you stay safe on the road this winter and spring. They have set up a wonderful range of posts on twitter with the hashtag #CarCareClub. Take a look for some great tweets, posts and experiences by other car users.

I have some top tips about getting your car ready for the winter in this post but of course once you’re on the road how do you say safe?

Mobile Phones. Make sure its fully charged then turn it on to silent. That way if you do breakdown you have it to hand but its not there to distract you with beeps and calls while you’re concentrating of driving. A branch and tree can fall down in to your path in the same time it takes you to glance at your screen. Don’t risk it!

Headlights. Turn them on. I’m lucky to have a Volvo which means they are on all year round even when its light outside. Why? Well if you’re in a grey car, on a grey road without sunshine beaming down on you YOU will blend in. Stand out, make sure people know you’re there!

If you get caught in bad weather the best thing to do is be prepared. Read up on tips on how to drive in bad weather before you’re actually caught it in!

Respond to skids – ease off the accelerator, avoiding using brakes – it’ll help you gain traction. Steer your car where you want it to go and be prepared to have to counter steer when you are facing the right direction.

Rain – the most frequent hazard if you live in the uk! Make sure your wipers, light and tires are in good condition before you set off. Turn on your headlights and wipers and allow yourself plenty of space. Do not tailgate! On a motorway? Aim for the middle lane – it’s tends to be the highest and therefore less chance of standing water.

Black Ice – It hides, in the shadows, under bridges – anywhere you might not expect it. Again headlights on, reduce your speed when the temp outside is below 4 degrees. Brake gently to avoid skidding. Don’t use cruise control!

Fog – I hate driving in fog and we get it bad round here with our rivers and flood plains. So..slow down! And turn on your low beams! Not high beams which the fog will reflect back at you and limit your vision. Use your wipers, fog is after all water. Turn on your tail lights and fog lights.

Do read these tips, you do never know whats around the corner and just remember to put your lights on and slow down!