In 2024 to this point, 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 pair of fog.
A current research performed by GAP insurance coverage suppliers, ALA Insurance coverage, delved into behaviours throughout difficult climate circumstances, uncovering invaluable insights into the affect of dangerous 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 street security, ALA have compiled the most well-liked TikTok ideas and have had their specialists weigh in on the recommendation.
Hottest TikTok ideas for driving in dangerous climate
1. Use air-con to forestall condensation throughout home windows
Callum Butler, Insurance coverage Professional at ALA Insurance coverage says “Utilising air-con in moist climate is an efficient technique. It helps preserve optimum visibility by stopping condensation on home windows, which is essential for secure driving in hostile circumstances.
Nevertheless, in extraordinarily chilly circumstances, it would contribute to frost formation on the surface of home windows. In such instances, adjusting the temperature and utilizing the defrost setting could possibly be extra acceptable.”
2. Flip off the automated start-stop operate in floods
“Disabling the automated start-stop operate throughout floods is a smart transfer. This characteristic could be unreliable in submerged circumstances and may result in surprising engine shutdown, compromising your capability to navigate flooded areas safely,” explains Butler.
3. Navigate by road-wide floods or puddles within the center the place it’s shallower
“Selecting the center of road-wide floods works properly 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 at any time when doable, as they’ll replicate off the moist street
“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 forestall potential lack of management on moist surfaces
“Disengaging cruise management in moist circumstances is a security precaution. It ensures drivers preserve direct management over acceleration, lowering the chance of skidding or shedding management on slippery surfaces.”
6. Faucet your brakes gently after driving by water to facilitate drying
“Gently tapping your brakes post-water crossing is a sensible measure. This motion helps take away water from the brake elements, enhancing their effectiveness and lowering 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 hostile 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 street security.
