In 2024 thus far, the Nationwide Met Workplace has recorded 292 Yellow Climate Warnings; 123 of which had been rain, 66 thunderstorm, 44 snow, 44 wind, 39 ice and a couple of fog.
A latest examine performed by GAP insurance coverage suppliers, ALA Insurance coverage, delved into behaviours throughout difficult climate situations, uncovering precious insights into the impression of unhealthy 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 street 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 unhealthy climate
1. Use air con to stop condensation throughout home windows
Callum Butler, Insurance coverage Knowledgeable 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 opposed situations.
Nonetheless, in extraordinarily chilly situations, it’d contribute to frost formation on the surface of home windows. In such circumstances, adjusting the temperature and utilizing the defrost setting could possibly be extra acceptable.”
2. Flip off the automated start-stop perform in floods
“Disabling the automated start-stop perform throughout floods is a sensible transfer. This function could be unreliable in submerged situations and would possibly result in sudden engine shutdown, compromising your means to navigate flooded areas safely,” explains Butler.
3. Navigate by 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 car and ensures a shallower crossing, minimising the potential for hydroplaning or lack of management.”
4. Keep away from utilizing fog lights in wet situations every time potential, as they will replicate off the moist street
“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 except 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 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 is not going to solely contribute to a greater understanding of driver behaviour in opposed climate situations but in addition help in selling safer driving practices. Now in February, it’s essential for drivers to pay attention to potential flood dangers and undertake precautionary measures to make sure street security.
