In 2024 up to now, 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 research performed by GAP insurance coverage suppliers, ALA Insurance coverage, delved into behaviours throughout difficult climate situations, uncovering useful 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 situations.
With this in thoughts, and to assist promote driver confidence and street 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 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 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 perform in floods
“Disabling the automated start-stop perform throughout floods is a smart transfer. This function might be unreliable in submerged situations and would possibly result in surprising engine shutdown, compromising your capability to navigate flooded areas safely,” explains Butler.
3. Navigate by way of road-wide floods or puddles within the center the place it’s shallower
“Selecting the center of road-wide floods works effectively as a result of it reduces the chance of water coming 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’ll mirror 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 until 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 situations is a security precaution. It ensures drivers preserve direct management over acceleration, decreasing the chance of skidding or shedding management on slippery surfaces.”
6. Faucet your brakes gently after driving by way 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 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 pay attention to potential flood dangers and undertake precautionary measures to make sure street security.
