Research has shown that most drivers do not take into account the weather conditions when beginning a journey, particularly rainy weather. However, with 24% of all car crashes occurring during bad weather such as; ice, snow and rain. The weather and how it will impact on your driving and the handling of your car must always be considered, particularly, as we enter into the winter months.
During a crash your body continues to move at the speed your car was travelling until it is stopped, be is by a seatbelt, airbag or at worst a windshield. Your internal organs also travel at the same speed until they hit your rib cage. For example; if you are travelling at 60 MPH and your car hits a solid wall and come to an immediate stop your body will continue to move at 60 MPH until it is stopped!
In order to combat the number of road traffic accidents that occur as a result of bad weather the following advice is suggested;
* Keep your speed down.
* Turn your lights on. Make yourself more visible to other motorist.
* Increase the distance between you and other travelling vehicles (at least three times more space than usual)
* Brake lightly to avoid skidding.
* If your wheels begin to lock ease off the brake.
* Use low gears.
* Do not use cruise control.
* Take extra care on roads that are less well used
* Do not assume your vehicle can handle all weather conditions.