4 days Ago By Kieran Isgin
UK drivers are on high alert as hazardous road conditions are expected following snowfall across parts of the country last night. With three yellow Met Office weather warnings in place for snow and ice affecting northern England, the Midlands, parts of Northern Ireland, and northeast Wales, travel caution is being emphasised. National Highways has issued a severe snow warning for certain motorway areas and Driving Hire experts have stepped in with vital tips for snowy conditions.
They say carrying certain items can be critical for visibility in case of a road accident due to snow, or simply making the frosty trek to work more tolerable. One such essential is a high-vis vest. Under Rule 275 of the Highway Code, it's really important to wear one if stranded to ensure you're seen by other traffic.
Richard Owen-Hughes, from Driver Hire, said: "Leaving your vehicle in clothing which makes you easily visible to other drivers can be is hugely important, especially on busy roads. The winter weather can bring with it low visibility due to poor weather such as fog or snow and therefore high visibility vest are a must." Richard strongly advises: "It’s advisable to always have a high vis vest in your vehicle in case of emergencies, and make sure to pack enough for other passengers.
" On the subject of a warning triangle, Richard says that in case of a breakdown on a dual carriageway or standard road, positioning one 45 metres behind your broken-down vehicle can alert oncoming traffic to the hazard ahead. He said: "Warning triangles are crucial for providing oncoming drivers enough time to react, especially in snowy weather conditions. Use them when possible, but it is advised to not use these in extremely windy weather conditions or on the motorway, as they can blow onto the road.
" Regarding warm clothing, given the uncertainty of rescue times following a vehicle breakdown, Richard recommends carrying ample warm layers. He said: "A warm waterproof coat, waterproof boots, a jumper, gloves, and a hat could be the difference between being freezing in cold temperatures or staying as comfortable as possible. This goes for all passengers, not just the driver, so it's advisable to have warm clothing packed in the vehicle at all times.
" When touching on de-icers, Richard points out that clear vision is vital while driving, particularly in poor weather. He said: "An icy windscreen is extremely dangerous, and in conditions as cold as this week, a de icer and scraper is essential for keeping your vision clear when on the road." Richard stressed the importance of safety on the road, particularly as weather conditions worsen, saying: "Not only will this keep you and other road users safe, it is also a legal requirement to clear your windscreen before setting off, and you can face considerably high fines if you do not have clear visibility.
" He highlights the increased risks during winter's darker mornings and evenings. Advising motorists to carry an industry standard torch with spare batteries, he noted: "Having a working torch gives drivers the best chance of being seen by other road users if their vehicle lights have failed. It also allows people to check their own vehicle if in an emergency – I would advise a headtorch to completely free up your hands.
" Additionally, he underscored the usefulness of a portable phone charger, stating: "Having a multiuse battery pack to charge electrical devices could mean you can still make that call to a helpline, and get out of a dangerous situation." Richard concluded with a cautionary reminder: "With the weather getting worse and driving conditions becoming increasingly dangerous, drivers must be more aware than usual and take extra precautions when it comes to safety. "It would also be beneficial to bring plenty of water, a thermos with a warm drink, and some high energy snacks if there’s the chance you might get stuck for a while".
.
