With the mercury set to plunge this week, road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist has called upon drivers to properly prepare for the winter weather.
With freezing temperatures predicted across the UK, flat batteries and other more serious issues are likely to pile the pressure on breakdown organisations.
GEM advises drivers to only journeys in challenging conditions if absolutely necessary, and to make sure you and your car are properly equipped. This can be done by paying attention to weather updates and planning your travel accordingly.
If your route includes areas likely to be hit by snowy or icy conditions, prepare a set of essential items such as a shovel, a fully charged mobile phone, torch, ice scraper, food, water, jump leads, first aid kit, warm clothes and a supply of sand or gravel to assist with grip.
Adjust your driving accordingly. Keep your speed down, leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front, don’t overtake snowploughs and gritter trucks, and be ready for sudden, rapid deteriorations in conditions. Schedule break stops on longer journeys as driving in winter conditions can be hard work.
GEM safety officer Neil Worth said, “Forecasters have made clear that it’s likely to become very cold during the weekend and into next week. We urge drivers to have a plan ready now which will hopefully make the likely winter conditions easier to deal with. Top of the list of course is to postpone a journey if you possibly can. Agree to reschedule a meeting or a visit if it’s not vital. In that way, you’re avoiding a lot of potential trouble for yourself, and ensuring you won’t be putting additional strain on emergency and recovery crews, who are sure to be at full stretch in the coming days.”
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