Aviva Warns Drivers as winter sets in....
It took longer than normal but it is obvious now that winter is almost upon us, and with it the added dangers of driving. With these added dangers on the roads, UK insurer Aviva is advising motorists to take the necessary precautions.
As well as checking on anti-freeze levels and stocking up on de-icer, motorists should seriously consider investing in winter tyres for their vehicles as they brace themselves for the seasonal chill, Aviva says.
Nigel Bartram, Aviva's senior motor underwriter, said there seems to be little awareness amongst consumers about the typo of tyres which are available to them, let alone the benefits for a safer journey.
"While there is increased use of winter tyres in some sectors, such as supermarket delivery lorries and the emergency services, many motorists are not aware that such tyres are available to them and how they can make a real difference to the way their vehicle grips to the road." He said.
"Winter tyres would not prevent all accidents, but their better grip would increase the chances of the driver having a safer journey in difficult conditions
"We believe winter tyres should be considered seriously as they're not just for snow and ice but for temperatures below 7 degrees celsius and ... they could be used all year round"
Avis outlined a number of things you can do to make driving in winter safer.
Before you leave:
- Before setting out on a journey, use a windscreen scraper or de-icer (not a knife or hot water!) to remove ice from your vehicle - in particular the windscreen and other windows (the Highway Code states it is illegal to drive with poor or 'port-hole' visibility)
- Check levels of anti-freeze and de-icing agent in screen wash and top up if necessary
- Ensure you have enough fuel for your journey - vehicles use more fuel in heavy traffic and stop/start conditions
- Take a mobile phone with you and check the battery is fully charged
- Be suitably equipped for an emergency - a shovel in case you need to dig your vehicle out of deep snow, heavy-duty jump leads, a tow rope, first aid kit, torch, spare fuel can, warning triangle and a fire extinguisher
- Wrap up warm and pack a blanket, waterproof clothing and sensible footwear and take some food and drink with you for all your passengers, in case you get stranded
- In severe conditions, don't drive unless absolutely necessary but if you do have to venture out, tell someone of your departure time, route, destination and estimated time of arrival
The journey:
- Where possible use major routes, which are more likely to have been gritted and salted
- Use the correct lights - headlights in snow, fog lights in poor visibility but remember to switch them off if visibility improves
Leave more room between you and the vehicle in front and allow more time for braking and accelerating
Call us today to reserve your tyres before the snow hits 01564 793 050
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