British Bad Weather Driving Guide - Subconsciously Take In This Information |
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Jackie De Burca
28 July 2012
This guide is about driving safely in the bad weather that we sometimes get here in Great Britain. Before reading it consider the fact that driving actually becomes a subconcsious act.
So in fact when people are driving and conditions are normal, by doing this subconscious activity they are lulled into a hypnotic trance. Another interesting fact that you may not be aware of is that the subconcious mind is 88% leaving only a modest 12% over for the concscious mind.
If you start analysing the amount of input that happens all around us while driving you may agree that it is far too much information. This is why the subconscious mind has to take over and if driving was done conciously there would be far more accidents.
As strange as this may seem it is the truth. So bearing in mind that when the driving conditions become extreme, it puts pressure on the conscious mind. The reason for this is that it is no longer the automatic response that the subconcious deals with, but now there is a need for the concious mind to be involved.
You know that feeling of stress and forced attention in extreme weather while driving.
We have put together this concise guide to try to help you avoid incidents. We highly recommend reading it more than once so that your subconcious can absorb it.
Driving in bad weather - stay safe behind the wheel!
Britain's unpredictable weather can present regular challenges to drivers. In all conditions drivers should exercise due care and attention while driving. Severe weather conditions pose increased risks, but a little preparation and precaution in adverse driving conditions can save you from unnecessary incidents, expense, delay and can ultimately save lives.
Please take care on the roads. Prepare yourself in advance by reading our guide on driving in a variety of bad weather conditions.
How should I drive in heavy rain or a storm? How should I drive in fog? What should I consider when driving in snow and ice? What about driving when there has been flooding? What numbers can I use in case of an emergency
Protect you, your family and car with British Bad Weather Driving tips. Let's look at one of the more extreme conditions first.
What should I consider when driving in snow and ice?
When possible, carry a can of de-icer, a plastic windscreen scraper, a first aid kit, a mobile and charger, a torch and batteries, jumper cables & tow rope, a warning triangle, a hi viz jacket, your car tool kit and winter clothes.
A simple but invaluable addition is a small shovel to allow you to dig out snow and clear in front of wheels.
In advance, check your Battery, Antifreeze, Lights/Bulbs, Tyres, Wipers, Fluids, Fuel, Heater and Demister, in addition to your normal recommended vehicle checks. Try to avoid hill climbs or descents by planning your journey in advance.
To maintain traction change gears gently and smoothly.
Descend an incline in a lower gear allowing the engine to control speed. Remember that ABS on modern cars helps by not locking the wheels but cannot compensate for excessive or sharp application of brakes on ice. When braking on ice, gently does it.
If you do not have ABS, gently touch brakes, release and repeat. This will allow the wheels to re-grip and prevent prolonged wheel locking.
ABS on modern cars helps by not locking the wheels but cannot compensate for excessive or sharp application of brakes on ice. When braking on ice, gently does it.
If you do not have ABS, gently touch brakes, release and repeat. This will allow the wheels to re-grip and prevent prolonged wheel locking.
In heavy snow fall or blizzards consider using hazard lights if visibility is particularly poor. Road markings may be obscured so be extra vigilant of your road position, avoid unnecessary manoeuvres.
How should I drive in heavy rain or a storm? At 50kph safe stopping distance in dry conditions is 25m. In wet this increases by 40% to 35m.
At 100kph safe stopping distance in dry conditions is 78m. In wet this increases by 68% to 123m.
If you see surface water ahead, slow down in advance. When driving in wet conditions, be aware of wet pedals, wet hands/steering wheel and condensation in the car. All can prove a distraction.
Check your car regularly, particularly in wet weather. Specifically check wipers, tyres, demister and brakes. Test your brakes after driving through water to dry them.
Always observe the 2 second rule in dry conditions and at least 4 seconds in wet conditions. Pick a point the car in front passes and count to 4 before you pass it. If you cannot count to 4, you are too close to stop safely.
High winds will affect the stability of your car. If driving a high sided vehicle you will be particularly susceptible to high winds which can cause your vehicle to swerve. Slow down and avoid travelling too close to or beside vehicles on dual carriageways.
Watch out for debris and leaves and when you reach your destination. During a storm or heavy winds, do not park under trees, overhanging structures or near unstable structures.
How should I drive in fog? Fog greatly decreases visibility and reduces your perception of speed. In dense fog, one should consider if the journey really is necessary.
When driving in fog, illuminate your rear fog lamp. It will allow others to see you sooner. Ensure you turn off fog lamps out of fog - they DO blind drivers in normal conditions.
Use dipped headlights, as with snow. Hi beams will be reflected back at the driver, and make conditions worse. Stay in lane, avoid overtaking and pay close attention to road markings to avoid disorientation.
What about driving when there has been flooding? There are many types of flood that can occur around the country:
River Floods: These floods occur when surface water flow rises and channels overflow.
Urban Floods: Towns and built-up areas can experience up to six times greater run off than rural areas due to road, concrete and tarmac surface cover. Heavy rainfall can turn streets into swiftly moving rivers of runoff.
Flash Floods: When rain in a particular area is channelled quickly to a narrow outflow point or where a containment bank is breached, a sudden increase in discharge can be caused. These floods can occur within hours of heavy rainfall.
If you live in an area where flooding may occur, move your vehicle to higher ground.
Do not drive unless your journey is absolutely necessary.
Do not attempt to drive through water if you are unsure of the depth.
50cm of water can float a car. Observe other vehicles, kerbs, posts, railings, hedging or fences as indicators of water depth. If in doubt, stop.
Try to drive at the highest point of the road if you can do so safely. Often this will be the middle of the road as the waters can tend to be deeper along the kerbs.
Be considerate - driving through water at speed can result in water being thrown onto other vehicles and pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists and causing accident or injury for which you are responsible.
Test your brakes as soon as you can after driving through water.
Cars and floods don't mix. Never risk it unless it's Shallow, Short and you're Sure.