Motorists urged to observe 20-second rule to keep away from automotive accidents in winter
The UK climate is definitely freezing in the meanwhile.
With temperatures dropping, it is by no means been extra necessary to take additional warning on the highway. It comes because the Met Office issued a snow and ice warning.
Now nearly 1 / 4 of Brit drivers have been concerned in an accident when travelling in extreme winter climate. It takes a automobile 10 occasions longer to cease on icy roads.
READ MORE: Join the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and much extra
You can learn extra life-style tales from Daily Star right here.
The stats means the stopping distance could possibly be nearly half a mile if travelling at 70mph. So drivers should observe a 20-second rule when situations are like this.
(Image: Getty Images)
Experts advised motorists to maintain at the least 20 seconds behind the automotive in entrance. Transparent black ice poses an excessive threat to drivers as it’s close to invisible and catches motorists off guard.
An elevated observe distance and avoiding sudden braking is important recommendation to observe throughout icy situations.
Tim Alcock, from LeaseCar.uk, stated: “Drivers are extremely vulnerable when the roads are icy, so they must take extra precautions to keep safe.
“Ice is without doubt one of the largest hazards when the temperatures drop, and even the smallest quantity on the highway will be extraordinarily harmful for each motorists and pedestrians.
“Although it goes against basic instincts, braking is actually one of the worst things drivers can do and it won’t stop a vehicle from moving on icy roads.
“Important recommendation to observe in icy situations consists of retaining a 20-second hole from the automobile in entrance and pre-checking tyre grip.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Here are 5 tricks to drive safely in icy situations:
1. Maintain management
Drive at a gradual velocity and in the next gear to retain as a lot management of the automotive as attainable. It can be necessary to not brake or speed up too rapidly.
Make positive you keep away from overtaking needlessly or turning sharply round corners the place a lack of management is extra more likely to happen.
2. Check grip
By regulation, the minimal tyre tread depth within the UK is 1.6mm, however for optimum grip it’s suggested to not go under 4mm in winter situations.
Drivers can even examine grip by selecting a secure place to brake gently, and if the steering feels unresponsive it might point out one thing is flawed.
Join the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and much extra
The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we would like you to affix us!
Through the app, we’ll ship you the sassiest showbiz tales, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…together with the newest breaking information in fact.
To be part of our neighborhood, all you need to do to affix is click on on this hyperlink, choose ‘Join Chat’ and also you’re in!
No one will be capable of see who has join and nobody can ship messages aside from the Daily Star staff. We additionally deal with our neighborhood members to competitions, particular provides, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions.
If you don’t like our neighborhood, you possibly can try any time you want. To go away our neighborhood click on on the identify on the prime of your display screen and select Exit group. If you’re curious, you possibly can learn our Privacy Notice.
3. 20-second rule
An necessary winter tip to recollect when it is icy is to journey at an extended distance from the automotive in entrance.
The typical two-second rule needs to be multiplied by 10 as a result of braking might take the equal of as much as half a mile to truly cease.
4. Foot off the brake
Braking a automobile can ship it right into a skid or lock the wheels when travelling on ice. Instead, motorists ought to transfer right into a decrease gear to decelerate.
5. Steering
If a automobile begins to skid on ice, slowly flip the wheel within the route of the slide whereas eradicating the foot from the accelerator.
But should you’re skidding to the precise, flip to the precise and if skidding to the left, flip in the identical route. Once the automotive begins to degree out, gently straighten the wheel.
Want all the largest Lifestyle information straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Hot Topics e-newsletter
