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Drivers not prepared for winter weather dangers – top tips to stay safe on roads

A new investigation has revealed many motorists are unprepared for driving in winter and ignore weather warnings despite the increased risk of an accident.

As part of the investigation, Admiral surveyed 2,000 motorists and found almost a quarter have been involved in a car accident after driving in severe winter weather conditions, including snow, black ice, fog, flood water, thunderstorms and heavy rain, and high winds.

The results also found that 10 per cent of motorists said they have been involved in a car accident caused by black ice on the roads, and just 27 per cent said they felt confident and would know what to do if their car hit black ice.

Admiral’s investigation revealed one in ten drivers are now more nervous about driving in the dark as a result of lockdown. Meanwhile, some motorists have pulled over and stopped their car while driving because of challenging winter weather conditions – over a fifth (22 per cent) admitted they did this because of heavy snow and 30 per cent said they stopped because of heavy rain.

The insurer found almost a third of people fail to keep de-icer in their car during the winter, and 23 per cent don’t have an ice scraper either. Worryingly, a quarter of motorists confess to driving without fully de-icing their windscreen first.

Admiral has unpicked some common myths surrounding driving in winter conditions, to help keep road users safe this winter.

Driving with snow on the roof

Admiral says while it is not illegal to drive with snow on your roof, it falls onto your windscreen or into the path of another driver, it could be considered breaking the law for driving without consideration, or using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Driving wearing wellies

Admiral says while it is not illegal to drive while wearing wellies, it is heavily advised against doing so. The Highway Code forbids wearing any footwear that jeopardises foot movement and the ability to switch between the pedals.

Using boiling water to remove ice from windscreen

Admiral says using boiling water to remove ice from the windscreen is very dangerous and can cause your windscreen to crack, potentially seriously. While 68% of drivers are aware of the risks of using boiling water to de-ice their car’s windscreen, 32% admitted they didn’t realise that could happen.

Changing to winter tyres

Admiral says it’s entirely legal to change your tyres in winter to ‘winter tyres’ – tyres with better grip and made of a different rubber to stop them hardening in the cold. You don’t need to let your insurer know, as long no other aspect of the vehicle has changed.

Staying in your car if there’s lightning

In the UK, 60% of motorists think it’s safer to get out of the car than stay in it in a lightning storm.

Admiral says it is safer to stay in your car if there’s lightning, as long as it is not a soft-top convertible or fibre glass bodied vehicle. Occupants should take care not to touch any metal parts of the car and keep the windows closed at all times.

Driving in fog

Admiral says it is not recommended to use the high beam function on your headlights when driving in heavy fog – the bright lights serve as a distraction and actually cause reduced visibility against the fog. Worryingly, Admiral research revealed 18% of drivers think you should use high-beam in foggy conditions.

Idling your vehicle to heat it up before driving

Admiral warns that not only is idling your vehicle before driving it on a cold day not recommended, it can also be illegal – something 59% of motorists didn’t know. Your car only needs just over a minute to warm up before you start driving it, and leaving it to idle until it’s all warm inside can land you with a fine – if it’s on a public road, or could risk having it stolen.
Lorna Connelly, head of claims at Admiral, said: “Our data shows that not only is there an increase in accidents taking place during the winter months owing to adverse weather conditions, but that the severity of accidents also increases.
“It’s important motorists are aware of the risks involved and follow safety advice when travelling in order to keep themselves, their passengers, and other road users safe, particularly in tricky conditions.

“As well as understanding what to do if they find themselves driving in poor conditions, there are also simple steps they can take to make sure they are prepared should the worst happen – including travelling with extra provisions during winter.”

source: WalesOnline

A következő feladatban veszélyes téli időjárási körülményekre hívják fel az autósok figyelmét és tanácsokat is adnak. A vastagon szedett kifejezések angol magyarázatát a szöveg alatt láthatod. Próbáld megtalálni, melyik magyarázat, melyik kifejezéshez tartozik.

Motorists must be aware of the severe weather conditions before they get into their car today. We have a cold snap this week. Yesterday we had sleet but it developed into blizzard so we woke up to have snowdrifts on the roads and some areas are snowbound as well. This freak weather has caused treacherous driving conditions on the roads. Motorists are advised to venture out only with snow chains and place a shovel, warm clothes and a fully-charged mobile phone into their cars in case of a break-down. Snow ploughs, salt spreaders and gritters have been working on the roads since dawn to create safer conditions on the roads but be prepared to get into congestions easily. Less snowy areas can be rich in black-ice so extra attention and more careful driving are expected from every motorist on the roads.

1. piles of snow
2. snow storm
3. a transparent coating of ice, especially on a road surface
4. presenting hidden or unpredictable dangers
5. covered in snow or inaccessible because of it
6. brief period of cold weather
7. very unusual weather
8. all machines to clear the snow or to put salt and grit on the roads to prevent ice
9. chains that are fitted over the tyres of a vehicle in order to make it easier and safer to drive in snow
10. try to make a journey
11. icy rain
12. causing difficulty or damage

source: on the basis of winter weather, Englishathome.com

keys/megoldások: 1. snowdrift; 2. blizzard; 3. black ice; 4. treacherous; 5. snowbound; 6.  cold snap; 7. freak weather; 8. Snow ploughs, salt spreaders and gritters; 9.  snow chains; 10. venture out; 11. sleet; 12. severe