More weather warnings have hit the headlines as heavy snow forecasts are predicted across the UK, with areas in southeast England to be affected the worst, according to the BBC (source).
The Met Office has issued early warnings, with predictions that travel networks will be affected tomorrow (Friday). According to the report, forecasts are predicating up to 20cm of snow in areas in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, London, and East Anglia – complete with gale force winds to cause drifts. As lovely and festive as the snow may be with just one week to go until Santa hits the skies, it’s a time where we are all going to have to be very careful out on the roads!
So what can we do to make sure we stay safe on the snow showered roads, and prevent any accidents form occurring?
Well, here are a number of suggestions:
- Travel only if you have to: it’s probably a good idea to stay off the roads if they are particularly bad in your area. Of course you may be unable to avoid travelling, i.e. getting to work and back, but if it’s a journey you can avoid, then it’s a good idea to do so! Especially if you just need to nip to the shops for some mince pies and carrots for Santa and Rudolph’s arrival – it may be cold, but take a walk and see if you can enjoy a bit of festive snow!
- Take extra care with your speed: it’s easy to misjudge just how slippery the snow and ice can make the roads, even with a set of top tyres on your car! Travel below speed limits, particularly on country roads with bends and hills, and allow for extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front. If you brake too sharply on ice, you’re likely to skid, and you won’t stop in time for the car in front!
- Motorways: ah, motorways; really what can I say!? We all hate them at the best of times! Expect delays and keep your speed and distance between vehicles down! Watch for windy drifts of snow and take care with spray and ice on the highways!
- Avoid hills: this is more to save your own bacon from getting stuck! I myself live on a rather steep hill and there have been times when getting up it is just not going to happen! And you don’t want to end up sliding all the way down a hill and crashing in to, well, anything, that’s waiting at the bottom!
These are simple suggestions; but it’s important to take head of the advice. The key is to just take extra care on the roads and make sure you don’t cause an accident – especially just before Christmas!
If you are unfortunate enough to be in an accident that wasn’t your fault (let’s say someone doesn’t take notice of the advice above!), then you are entitled to claim for compensation. Speak to an expert independent personal injury solicitor and find out where you stand.
And remember; stay safe on the roads this Christmas!
