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 couple of fog.
A current examine performed by GAP insurance coverage suppliers, ALA Insurance coverage, delved into behaviours throughout difficult climate situations, uncovering useful insights into the influence of unhealthy 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 situations.
With this in thoughts, and to assist promote driver confidence and highway security, ALA have compiled the preferred TikTok ideas and have had their consultants weigh in on the recommendation.
Hottest TikTok ideas for driving in unhealthy 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 keep optimum visibility by stopping condensation on home windows, which is essential for secure driving in opposed situations.
Nonetheless, in extraordinarily chilly situations, it’d contribute to frost formation on the skin of home windows. In such circumstances, adjusting the temperature and utilizing the defrost setting could possibly be extra applicable.”
2. Flip off the automated start-stop perform in floods
“Disabling the automated start-stop perform throughout floods is a smart transfer. This characteristic might be unreliable in submerged situations and would possibly result in surprising engine shutdown, compromising your means 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 danger of water getting into your car and ensures a shallower crossing, minimising the potential for hydroplaning or lack of management.”
4. Keep away from utilizing fog lights in wet situations each time potential, as they will mirror off the moist highway
“Whereas fog lights are designed for low visibility situations, 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 situations is a security precaution. It ensures drivers keep direct management over acceleration, lowering the danger 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 parts, enhancing their effectiveness and lowering the danger 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 opposed climate situations 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 highway security.
