08/02/2012
Category: Van safety
Many drivers across the UK may have been lulled into a false sense of security towards the end of 2011, thanks to the fact that the temperatures throughout most of the winter were reasonably mild, meaning that driving conditions were quite favourable for the time of year.
However, with the announcement this week from the Met Office that the current cold weather conditions could last up to a month, one leading road charity has come to the aid of British LCV drivers, looking to impart advice on the best ways to avoid crashes and the costly van insurance claims which can accompany them.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has said that staying at home where possible is the best way to ensure that van drivers are safe if and when conditions take a serious turn for the worst.
IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: "Don't drive unless it's completely necessary and check the conditions for your entire journey. Can you work remotely, or change your schedule?"
However, if your work schedule simply does not allow for you to stay home, the IAM has offered up some priceless tips for ways to make sure you are staying as safe as possible.
Top tips include making sure that you use main routes at all times. This makes certain that you are using the first roads to have been treated with grit, greatly reducing the risk of ice on the surface.
The IAM also said that not using the brake when possible is vital. It advised drivers that steering rather than braking is the best way to go, saying that using brakes on ice can serve to make skidding worse.
Other tips include making sure to always pull away slowly from a stop, and look as far ahead as possible to accurately judge road conditions.
