In 2024 to date, 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 circumstances, uncovering invaluable insights into the affect 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 circumstances.
With this in thoughts, and to assist promote driver confidence and highway security, ALA have compiled the preferred 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 forestall condensation throughout home windows
Callum Butler, Insurance coverage Skilled 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 circumstances.
Nevertheless, in extraordinarily chilly circumstances, it’d contribute to frost formation on the skin of home windows. In such instances, adjusting the temperature and utilizing the defrost setting could possibly be extra acceptable.”
2. Flip off the automated start-stop operate in floods
“Disabling the automated start-stop operate throughout floods is a smart transfer. This function might be unreliable in submerged circumstances and may result in sudden engine shutdown, compromising your potential 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 danger of water coming 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 circumstances at any time when attainable, as they will mirror off the moist highway
“Whereas fog lights are designed for low visibility circumstances, 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 forestall potential lack of management on moist surfaces
“Disengaging cruise management in moist circumstances is a security precaution. It ensures drivers preserve direct management over acceleration, decreasing the danger of skidding or shedding 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 decreasing the danger 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 circumstances 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.
