Storms are set to batter Britain next week and drivers are being urged to take care

 

By Jamie White

 

With gale force winds expected to hit many parts of Britain next week, road safety charity IAM is urging drivers to extra care on the roads when the storms hit.

 

Advanced driver, Peter Rodger, has offered some tips on how to drive in the windy weather and avoid fallen trees and other debris that could cause a problem.

 

Peter advises:

 

• Plan your journey – is there a route with less exposure to the weather and less risk of fallen trees?  Choose a sheltered route if you have the option.

• Strong winds are not constant, they are usually gusty so ensure you hold the steering wheel firmly.

• Overtaking high sided vehicles or driving past buildings can result in a sudden gust from the side as you clear.

•  Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual. They get blown around by side winds easily. Even pedestrians can be blown about.

• Watch trees and bushes on the roadside. Their branches can show you how strong the wind is.  Look well ahead, that way you don’t need to take your eye off the road and you can see any windy patches before you get to them.

• Go slow enough to cope with the gusts. Wind can get under a car and reduce its handling and braking significantly.

• Keep an eye on what is happening to other vehicles – where they are affected will give you a pre warning.

• Go slowly enough to cope with the tree that has fallen right across the road, just round the bend where you can’t see it.

• Be careful of debris, try and have space beside you in case you need to dodge it.

 

Peter added: “If the weather is really bad, consider whether you could postpone your journey until it settles down.”

 

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