Sainsbury’s Bank has produced a comprehensive guide to winter driving in a bid to help keep people safe on the road during adverse weather conditions.
The ‘Guide to driving in winter’ has been written with the general public in mind and covers all areas including preparing your car, winter driving equipment, and advice on how to drive in different conditions.
It says preparing your car for adverse weather can ‘be easy with a few simple steps’.
In recent days, the UK has been battered by Storm Imogen, with heavy rain and strong winds making driving conditions increasingly difficult. Imogen is the latest in a series of storms across the UK this winter.
On driving in rain, the guide advises drivers to: slow down because your car can take almost twice as long to stop; use dipped headlights; and avoid driving through standing water as this can cause aquaplaning.
The guide adds that if you must drive through flood water, to do so in first gear and keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch in order to avoid stalling.
With regard to driving in high winds, the advice says: slow down to minimise the effect that a sudden gust of wind can have on your direction of travel; drive with both hands on the wheel; keep your distance from all other road users; and look out for debris on the road.
The guide also covers driving in snow, low winter sun and fog, as well as advising drivers on what they should do in the event of a breakdown, and essential items that should be carried in the car.
Has anyone else wondered why a bank would feel moved to publish a guide to winter driving? It’s not the first establishment or profession that comes to mind, if one was looking for such a guide. I note on the subject of driving in ice and snow it says “… it is a good idea to slow down…” A ‘good idea’? Ground breaking stuff!
Hugh Jones, Cheshire
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