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 pair of fog.
A current examine performed by GAP insurance coverage suppliers, ALA Insurance coverage, delved into behaviours throughout difficult climate circumstances, uncovering priceless insights into the influence 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 most well-liked TikTok suggestions and have had their consultants 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 keep optimum visibility by stopping condensation on home windows, which is essential for protected driving in hostile circumstances.
Nonetheless, in extraordinarily chilly circumstances, it would contribute to frost formation on the surface of home windows. In such circumstances, adjusting the temperature and utilizing the defrost setting may very well be extra applicable.”
2. Flip off the automated start-stop operate in floods
“Disabling the automated start-stop operate throughout floods is a clever transfer. This function will be unreliable in submerged circumstances and would possibly result in surprising 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 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 circumstances each time doable, as they’ll replicate 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 until 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 circumstances is a security precaution. It ensures drivers keep 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 won’t solely contribute to a greater understanding of driver behaviour in hostile 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.
