An amber weather warning has been issued for parts of the UK this weekend, with strong winds and heavy rain forecast, but IAM RoadSmart has published its top tips of how to negotiate the stormy weather safely on the roads.
Richard Gladman, the road safety charity’s head of driving and riding standards, said there are five top tips to driving safely in such conditions.
- If weather conditions are extremely poor don’t even start your journey. Take note of any weather warnings from the Met Office and traffic updates in your local area – this will help you make an informed decision
- Driving in strong winds can be very dangerous, unsettling your car and forcing your vehicle in a different direction. Grip the steering wheel firmly and be mindful of vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, who will need more room than usual
- Always look well ahead for gaps between buildings and be careful when overtaking larger vehicles – in both cases gusts might be particularly strong
- The movement of trees on the roadside can give a useful indication of wind strength too
- Be wary of debris on roads and allow yourself enough space to drive around it if necessary. Driving at a steady speed will also ensure you give yourself more time to slow down before a hazard.
Gladman added: “Keep an eye on the vehicles ahead of you – look for clues as to how the wind is affecting them so you get advanced warning of where it may be blowing strongly.
“Stormy weather can be extremely unpredictable so be prepared for the worst and be alert. As always, you’ll need to decide if you want to abandon the journey completely.”
