Oh, the weather outside is frightful – but that doesn’t mean that people need to be stuck indoors. Motorists who still need to get out onto the roads to get to work or go into town to find those last elusive Christmas presents just need to be extra careful behind the wheel.
However, it is important to know when bad weather turns into extreme weather, because that’s when staying in is often the best option.
During the winter months young driver car insurance holders may experience snow, ice, wind and rain for the first time as a fully licensed road user, and that can be quite daunting when there’s no instructor in the next seat providing guidance.
Driving in snow and ice
Firstly it is important to plan the route to avoid un-gritted roads. Secondly, motorists should check their car’s anti-freeze level, the condition of the tyres, and clean the vehicle’s lights before departing.
The anti-freeze should be topped up if low, the tyres (ideally winter ones) should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, and the lights should be clear of snow and dirt.
To get the car moving without wheel-spin, pulling away gently in second gear should help.
When out on the roads new driver car insurance holders with no experience of snow- or ice-driving should remember that stopping distances are 10 times longer than in good conditions.
The general rule for safe driving in snow and ice is drive slower than you would in clear conditions and avoid abrupt braking and stopping on slopes. Waiting until hills are clear of vehicles before going up them should mean that motorists have no need to stop before they reach level ground again.
Driving in the wind
Ideally, drivers should not go out onto the roads in high winds, but, if it is necessary, motorists should keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, keep their speed down, and remember that they could be blown off course or come across debris in the road.
Furthermore, when driving across bridges, emerging from behind wind cover, or journeying on coastal roads, motorists should take extra care.
Driving in heavy rain
Again, it is important for drivers to remember that stopping distances are longer in wet conditions than in dry. This is another scenario where good tyre tread depth is vital!
Before setting off, it is important to make sure that the windscreen wipers work so that the motorist can see where they’re going. Plus, turning the car headlights on will make the vehicle more visible to others during the journey.
Road users should be prepared to change their route if they encounter flooding, so leaving early for a destination may be useful. Driving through a flooded area is not advised since it can, literally, flood the engine and the motorist has no way of knowing what condition the road is under the water. Potentially a pipe may have burst and the tarmac may have collapsed.
Perhaps the most important preparation for driving in bad weather is always to make sure you have enough fuel in your tank to cover any detours you may have to make, or to keep the engine going if you’re stuck in a traffic jam.
Insurance for the weather-wise
If you are looking for young driver car insurance and you know how to drive safely in poor weather – and when it’s best to stay off the roads – then you could be saving money with insurethebox!
Get a quote from us by clicking the get a quote button.