DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

Friday, December 16th, 2011
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This time of year there is increased congestion on all types of roads; Christmas shopping, families travelling away for the holiday break, and poor weather all contribute to extra traffic on the road.

Here are some useful tips to help you avoid the increase in journey times and frustration this can cause.

Journey planning

  • Wherever possible plan to avoid busy times of day.  Major congestion is caused by school/work related travel in the early morning and late afternoon/early evening, so avoid these times if you can.
  • Avoid specific areas where congestion is likely on the approach to Christmas, unless you need to drive there.  For example, town centres, out of town supermarkets and shopping centres.  Do your own shopping early!
  • Avoid specific days when travel will be at its heaviest, especially for long journeys.  For example, early Christmas Day is likely to be much less congested than Christmas Eve.
  • Plan your route before you start, particularly for long journeys.  Have an alternative in case your original route is blocked.  Make use of Sat-Nav systems, internet route planners, maps and consult the Highways Agency Information Line on www.highways.gov.uk/traffic  for updated information on likely congestion.
  • Build in additional time for your journey, especially for long distances.  Being early is better than becoming anxious and frustrated by worries about being late.

During the drive

  • Always keep a good space around your car and keep looking well ahead. This will give you good visibility and you will get early warning of congestion problems ahead.  Drive so that you can always stop in the distance you can see to be clear.
  • Be patient and don’t respond to any hostility from other drivers.  Reacting badly will only make the situation worse.
  • Some stretches of motorway have variable speed limits during times of congestion.  These appear on the gantries above the lanes and you must not exceed these limits.  They are designed to keep traffic moving at a constant flow and so avoid bunching and stopping/starting.
  • In shopping areas, drivers may be looking for parking spaces and may stop suddenly.  Roads around car parks may be partly blocked by traffic waiting for spaces.  Always anticipate other road users and plan accordingly.
  • Pedestrians may be concentrating on their shopping rather than the road, so be aware they may step into the road without looking properly.  At this time of year excited children may not take as much care as usual, so ensure you are alert at all times.
  • If you are in congested, slow moving traffic, watch for pedestrians stepping out between your car and the vehicle in front.
  • In congested traffic watch out for cyclists.  Especially look for them in your mirrors as they may be able to travel faster than you.  Allow them plenty of room.

Drive with extra caution during this winter weather.  Check out our previous blog posts about winter driving to ensure you are fully prepared before setting out on your journey.

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Driving home for Christmas

Friday, December 24th, 2010
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We’ve all heard the classic song “driving home for Christmas”. We’d like to hear from you; what songs will you be listening to this Christmas eve on your drive home?

Photo by J.Star

We would like to take this time to remind you to be safe and responsible when driving on the roads at this time of year, especially for those of you who get a white Christmas!

Merry Christmas from everyone at RED!

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The winter checklist- the essential driving equipment during the cold months

Thursday, December 16th, 2010
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Photo by Max Sparber

Unless you’ve been living in a cocoon, you’ll be more than aware that winter has well and truly arrived. This creates its own set of problems for motorists.

Although the majority of drivers won’t get stuck this winter, with the weather being so unpredictable at the moment, you never know what’s around the corner. In view of this, the winter checklist below should go some way to ensuring you are as prepared as you can be for winter motoring.

Inside, it is a good idea to keep the following items:

  • De-icing equipment – with the weather being so cold, the vehicle can ice-up very quickly. Having de-icing equipment to hand will help to clear the windows if the need arises.
  • A first aid box – a basic first-aid kit is always a good thing to have in the car.
  • Food and water – a bottle of drinking water along with a couple of chocolate bars would be good. If you get stuck, it’s vital to keep fluids and blood sugar levels up.
  • A torch – if you need to change a wheel or walk to an emergency phone in the dark, a torch could prove invaluable.
  • A blanket – as well as keeping you warm if your car gets stuck in the snow, a blanket could help you get free again. Placing it under the wheels will help them get a grip on snow or ice.
  • A spare mobile phone battery and charger – the time you really need your mobile phone will be the time its battery has run out.
  • A warm coat and gloves – in case you need to exit your car in freezing temperatures.

In the boot of the car, it is a good idea to keep:

Photo by cory.cousins

  • A shovel – this will give you the option of digging your way out should you encounter a snow drift.
  • Screen wash – in winter, you will use far more screen wash during each journey to wash away the salt and grit that’s spread on the road surface.
  • A pair of wellies – in case you have to get out and walk any distance in the snow.
  • A hazard warning triangle or similar – if you breakdown in a dangerous spot, use a warning triangle to give other motorists advanced notice that you’re there.
  • A tow rope – this will provide the opportunity for you to be pulled out of trouble. Of course, you might even be able to come to the aid of other road users if they get stuck.
  • Spare bulbs – although it can be extremely difficult to replace light bulbs on some modern cars, a spare set is always useful.
    Photo by jjay69
  • Spare fuel – just in case your journey takes much longer than expected or filling stations are closed due to the poor weather.
  • A high visibility jacket – if you need to exit your vehicle and the weather restricts visibility, wearing a high visibility jacket will help other road users to see you.

This is far from being a definitive list. However, if something does go wrong and you find yourself stranded, you’ll be glad you stocked up on these basic items before starting your journey.

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Driving tests may be affected by bad weather

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
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Icy conditions can cause delays

Britain is braced for round two of ‘the big freeze’ but what will this mean for learner drivers who have their driving lessons or driving test affected by the adverse weather conditions?

Although we can’t speak for other driving schools, when it comes down to driving lessons with RED Driving School our instructors will give you as much notice as possible if the conditions are bad enough to prevent a lesson going ahead. 

Sometimes this can be a tough call, as while safety is of course paramount, adverse conditions are also an opportunity to get some experience and confidence for when you’re driving on your own.  Ultimately, your instructor will carefully consider the situation and If the driving lesson is cancelled, you’re instructor will re-schedule and you will not be charged.

If you have a driving test upcoming then you’re probably praying more than most that we don’t see any more snow anytime soon.  If the snow does start to fall then check out the Direct Gov website link which has all the information you might in case of your practical test being called off:  http://bit.ly/8ZN8MI. 

Of course your RED Driving Instructor will be fully informed of procedure should conditions affect tests but it doesn’t hurt to bring yourself up to speed as well.  If your test is re-scheduled, The DSA will rearrange your test at no further cost. 

As always we wish our learner drivers who have practical tests upcoming the best of luck, although we’re sure you won’t need it!

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Winter driving advice: driving in snow and icy weather

Thursday, November 25th, 2010
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It appears that winter has finally arrived.  Cold, frosty mornings have turned to snow covered hills and mountains for a large majority of us.  While this is well received by those of us who like to ‘play’ in the snow, these difficult winter driving conditions present a whole new set of problems for motorists driving in snow.

With this in mind, there are a few things to consider that will help reduce the level of risk these conditions present.

Is your journey necessary?
In winter, especially if the weather doesn’t look good, it is advisable to check the local forecast before setting out.  If snow or ice is forecast, the best advice is; don’t drive unless your journey is essential.

Planning for your journey
If you consider that your journey is necessary, it is useful to carry the following items, in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down:

Photo by kuyman

•    De-icer / ice scraper
•    Anti freeze
•    A torch
•    Warm drink and emergency food
•    Warm clothing and boots
•    A first aid kit
•    A fully charged mobile phone
•    Jump leads
•    A spade or shovel.

Before setting out
You should give yourself plenty of time to clear the car of any snow or ice.  This includes clearing all your windows so that you can see clearly all around.  Clear the snow from the bonnet and roof so that it doesn’t fly off and cause a danger to other road users.

You should also ensure all lights are clean and free from snow so they can be seen by other road users.

You should also wait until your demister and heater are working well enough to keep the whole of the inside of your windscreen and rear window clear.

Photo by soundfromwayout

TOP TIP! When clearing the screen, take care not to damage the wiper blades as these may have been frozen to the screen.  Never use boiling water to clear the windscreen; you could break the glass.  Instead, use water that is barely lukewarm or even cold – this is still warmer than ice and will start the defrosting process.

Driving in snow
If you find yourself driving in falling or freshly fallen snow, there are some key safety issues to remember:

•    You should increase the gap between you and vehicle in front – the stopping distances can easily be ten times longer in snow and icy conditions

•    It is advisable for you to test your brakes, very gently, from time to time.  However, make sure you check your mirrors before braking.  Snow packed around the wheels and brake linkages can affect steering and braking

•    If the adverse weather conditions mean that your visibility is in any way reduced, you should use your headlights – this will alert other road users to your presence

Photo by Chris Campbell

•    Be prepared to clear the windscreen by hand.  Your wipers, even with the aid of the heater, may not be able to sweep the snow clear.  If you do need to clear the windscreen by hand, you should stop in a safe place, where possible.  It is also a good idea to check your lights and indicators at the same time as they may also need to be cleared.  Snow can collect and pack around them, making it difficult for other road users to see you.

Starting off in snow
If you have to stop in snow, it can be difficult to start again.  Therefore, it is advisable to leave a bigger gap than usual between you and the vehicle in front.  To reduce the chance of wheel-spin, you should use the highest gear possible with light acceleration.

If you experience wheel-spin when you’re starting off in deeper snow, don’t race the engine because the wheels will dig in further.  Try to move the car slightly backwards and then forwards out of the rut.  Use the highest gear you can to move off.

TOP TIP! In these conditions, it’s worthwhile carrying a spade and some old sacks.  These can be useful to help you get going when you’re stuck in snow.

Snow chains are available which can be fitted over existing wheels and tyres.  These will help you avoid getting stuck and also reduce the danger of skidding.  There are also ‘M & S’ (mud and snow) tyres available.  These have a tread pattern that is specifically designed for these conditions.

Stopping on snow or ice
If you do need to brake, ensure this is done gently otherwise you risk ‘locking’ the wheels.  If the front wheels lock, you cannot steer, meaning you cannot keep yourself out of trouble.

It is advisable to use a lower gear earlier than normal;

Photo by canong2fan

allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently and early to keep your speed under control.

For vehicles without anti-lock braking systems (ABS), in slippery conditions you should repeatedly apply and release the brakes to slow the vehicle down and enable you to keep control.  This will provide a certain amount of steering control.  ABS systems may reduce the risk of the vehicle instability when braking on snow and ice.  However, they cannot compensate for poor judgement or excessive speed.   They will not help your tyres stay in contact with the road surface in ice or snow.

Summary
Ultimately, if you do find that your journey is necessary or even unavoidable, it is up to you, the driver, to drive with great care, even if the roads have been treated.  Anticipate not only how a change in conditions affects your driving, but also how they affect other road users.  Keep in mind that conditions can change very quickly over very short distances.  Therefore it is important to stay alert and always be prepared to slow down and, if necessary, stop, to keep yourself and other road users safe.

Posted in Driving tips, Road safety, Winter driving | 2 Comments »

 

Driving tests and bad weather – a message from the DSA

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
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Some driving tests may be affected by winter weather over the next few days.

The Met Office has forecast colder weather with snow showers becoming increasingly likely. Some parts of the country may have significant snowfall.

Your driving test

If you’re due to take your practical test, follow the advice given on your appointment email or letter. You should call your test centre only if there is snow or ice in your local area on the day of your test.

Photo by Mark and Andrea Busse

DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or bad weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. Another appointment will be arranged automatically at no further cost, but compensation is not payable.

A new appointment date is usually sent within three working days. This may take longer when there’s a period of prolonged bad weather.

If you haven’t heard about a new appointment within seven working days, you can check the status of your booking online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.

If your test hasn’t been rebooked at that time, you should call our customer service centre.

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Car sidelights: what are the driving rules and regs?

Monday, November 22nd, 2010
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When we hear the term ‘sidelights’, most drivers will automatically think of the small / dim lights on the front of the vehicle.

Photo by madmarv00

However, this term also includes the rear number plate light.

In some cars, these lights come on automatically when the engine is switched on.

It is true to say that sidelights are of limited use when compared with headlights, particularly in winter weather conditions.  However, there are certain times where their use is vitally important.  We’ll cover this in our fifth winter driving blog post:

Sunset and Sunrise

Sidelights must be switched on between sunset and sunrise even in brightly lit areas as they will help other road users to see your vehicle.

If you have a dark coloured car, you may consider switching on these lights earlier.

Parking

Photo by Keoki Seu

Sidelights must be switched on when your car is parked on a road (or a lay-by on a road) where the speed limit is greater than 30mph.  This will make it easier for other road users, particularly motor vehicles, to see you.

They must also be switched on if your vehicle, for unavoidable reasons, is parked on any road in fog.

In summary; although sidelights do not provide enough light for you to effectively plan your drive at night, they can, when used correctly, provide valuable information to other road users, thus reducing the risk of you and your vehicle being involved in a road traffic incident.

Next week we’ll look at driving in snow and ice to prepare you for the impending colder weather!

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Full beam headlights – our guide to considerate driving

Monday, November 15th, 2010
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With winter fast approaching, most drivers will, at some point, drive during the hours of darkness.  When driving at night, your vision is restricted and you cannot see a far as you can in daylight; therefore less information is available to you.

As a result, your vehicle’s headlights are the most important source of information for both you and other road users.  They tell other drivers your movements, so it is important that you use them with care and consideration.

Under normal circumstances, when driving on lit roads, you should use dipped headlights.  However, to enable you to see as far ahead as possible, and better predict the road and traffic conditions on unlit roads, you should normally use main (full) beam.

With this in mind, here’s our helpful guide to using main beam; the fourth blog post in our winter driving series.

Photo by tibchris

Meeting oncoming traffic
When meeting other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, you should ‘dip’ your headlights in good time, although not too early, to avoid dazzling them.  It is advisable to check the left hand verge before you dip your headlights to identify any dangers e.g. a pedestrian that you need to be aware of.

Following another vehicle / overtaking
When following another vehicle, you should dip your headlights and allow sufficient gap so that your lights do not dazzle the driver in front.  If you are overtaking another vehicle, move out early with your headlights dipped.  When you are alongside the other vehicle, return your lights to main beam.  If you are being overtaken, you should dip your lights as soon as the overtaking vehicle passes you and keep them dipped until they can be raised again without dazzling the other driver.

On a bend
When driving on left hand bends, you should dip your headlights earlier.  This is because your lights will ‘cut across’ anyone coming towards you.  On right hand bends, this is less likely to happen so you won’t need to dip your headlights quite so soon.

Photo by SlinkyDragon

Dazzle
Any driver can make a mistake.  If an oncoming vehicle dazzles you and your visibility is greatly reduced, look to the left hand verge.  This enables you to keep your course.  However, as you may not be able to see the road ahead, it is advisable to slow down or even stop if necessary.

Main (full) beam provides drivers with improved vision on unlit roads.

However, you should ensure that you are always able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear, or within the range of your headlights.

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Car headlights – when to use and when not to use

Monday, November 8th, 2010
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Do you know when you should be using your car headlights and the rules for usage and best practice?

Photo by Swamibu

Read our guide on headlights, which forms the third part of our winter driving series.

Headlights help you to see and be seen by others and must be used when visibility is seriously reduced.

They need to be checked regularly and kept clean or they will be less effective.

Key tips for headlight usage:

•    At night or during the day with poor visibility
Use the main beam on unlit roads as this enables you to see the greatest distance, unless you are following another vehicle or meeting oncoming traffic.  In these cases, dip your lights to avoid dazzling other road users.  Keep headlights dipped in built up areas.

•    In fog
Don’t use the main beam headlights in fog as the fog will reflect the light back and could dazzle you.  Use dipped headlights instead, along with fog lights.  These will be seen from a greater distance than sidelights.

•    In heavy rain or snow
Poor weather conditions can drastically reduce your visibility, so use headlights to make your presence clear to other roads users.

When driving, avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights as this can cause disorientation; if an oncoming vehicle leaves its main beam on, don’t retaliate by leaving yours on.

Photo by frozenchipmunk

Headlights on a left-hand bend need to be dipped earlier as they will cut across the vision of anyone coming towards you.

Remember that extra weight at the rear of the vehicle could raise the angle of the headlight beam and dazzle other road users.  In many modern vehicles you can adjust this.

Switch off headlights when parked or they can confuse and dazzle other road users.

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Driving tips for low winter sun conditions

Monday, November 1st, 2010
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If you’ve read our blog post from 11 October, you’re already up to speed with how to best prepare your car for the winter weather.

For the second instalment of our winter driving series, we’re covering the dangerous driving conditions created by the sun’s glare.

In a recent article in the Telegraph, the Institute of Advanced Motorists highlighted government figures that suggest that glare from the sun was a cause of in excess of 2,500 injury crashes in 2009, as many as headlamp dazzle and bad weather combined.

Photo by stevec77

One of the main problems when driving in sunny conditions is glare. This can seriously reduce your ability to see and plan the road ahead.

Glare is increased when driving in low winter sun, particularly where the roads are wet from rain or snow. This is mainly due to the reflection off the road surface. The situation can be worsened by having a dirty windscreen.

With these points in mind, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure you are prepared to deal with these conditions:

  • Keep your windscreen clean and grease free, both inside and out
  • Where visibility is reduced, lower your speed to allow you more time to respond to hazards
  • Be particularly aware of pedestrians and cyclists as they are more difficult to see
  • Be more aware of following vehicles; they may also be affected by the sun’s glare
  • Wear sunglasses and/or use your visor to cut out as much glare as possible
  • Avoid looking directly into the sun.

Low winter sun poses a real danger to road users at this time of year with the clocks going back.  Remember to always drive within the speed limits, at an appropriate speed for the road conditions, and heed the advice we have given to help you stay safe on the roads this winter.

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