Question.
I was discussing the need to change driving style when we start to approach the winter months. What should I prioritise?
Answer.
This is a very good question as there are several factors that need to be taken into account when driving in the autumn and winter months.
-
- We are starting to see changes in the weather and the number of daylight hours and it often takes time for us to get used to these changes.
-
- Plan your journey to allow extra time for the darker mornings and evenings.
-
- Although we have less daylight hours, when the sun is out it is lower in the sky and can be shining directly through the vehicle windscreen so ensure you have sunglasses with you. Additionally with wet roads the glare and reflections off the road and other vehicles can be dazzling and poses an additional risk.
-
- Our weather patterns have changed, and we see heavier rainstorms causing localised flooding and also fully coating the road surface with water. Drainage system can also be blocked with leaves causing large puddles at the sides of the roads which can cause the vehicle to swerve. Be extra careful in wet weather, drive with more care and attention and consider the safe speed for the road and weather conditions.
-
- With the milder days and cooler nights localised fog can also be a problem with visibility suddenly reducing significantly.
-
- Many vehicles have daytime driving lights and automatic headlights but don’t forget to turn on your headlights if visibility is poor, and this could be when the sun s out. If the sun is behind you, it’s in the eyes of the drivers of on-coming traffic and they may not see you clearly.
We are creatures of habit, and it will take time for our summer driving habits to change. Drive carefully, think of other road users and be safe on the road.
