In 2024 thus far, the Nationwide Met Workplace has recorded 292 Yellow Climate Warnings; 123 of which have been rain, 66 thunderstorm, 44 snow, 44 wind, 39 ice and a couple of fog.
A latest research carried out by GAP insurance coverage suppliers, ALA Insurance coverage, delved into behaviours throughout difficult climate circumstances, uncovering worthwhile 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 ideas and have had their consultants weigh in on the recommendation.
Hottest TikTok ideas for driving in unhealthy climate
1. Use air-con to stop condensation throughout home windows
Callum Butler, Insurance coverage Skilled 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 opposed circumstances.
Nonetheless, in extraordinarily chilly circumstances, it would contribute to frost formation on the skin of home windows. In such circumstances, adjusting the temperature and utilizing the defrost setting may very well be extra acceptable.”
2. Flip off the automated start-stop operate in floods
“Disabling the automated start-stop operate throughout floods is a clever transfer. This function could be unreliable in submerged circumstances and may result in sudden engine shutdown, compromising your potential to navigate flooded areas safely,” explains Butler.
3. Navigate via road-wide floods or puddles within the center the place it’s shallower
“Selecting the center of road-wide floods works nicely as a result of it reduces the chance of water getting into your automobile and ensures a shallower crossing, minimising the potential for hydroplaning or lack of management.”
4. Keep away from utilizing fog lights in wet circumstances every time doable, as they will 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 except 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, decreasing the chance of skidding or dropping management on slippery surfaces.”
6. Faucet your brakes gently after driving via water to facilitate drying
“Gently tapping your brakes post-water crossing is a sensible measure. This motion helps take away water from the brake parts, enhancing their effectiveness and decreasing the chance of brake fade in subsequent braking manoeuvres,” says Callum.
ALA Insurance coverage believes that these findings is not going to solely contribute to a greater understanding of driver behaviour in opposed climate circumstances but additionally help in selling safer driving practices. Now in February, it’s essential for drivers to pay attention to potential flood dangers and undertake precautionary measures to make sure highway security.
