Safe whatever the weather

Throughout the Young Driver of the Year campaign, three professional drivers will take turns in the driver’s seat to offer specialist advice on subjects Grampian Police consider to be major contributors to road traffic collisions. This week, Alastair Fraser, training manager at Knockhill’s Centre for Driver Excellence, keeps a tight rein on weather conditions

Published:

AS IS often the rule in driving, the phrase, “it depends on the circumstances”, applies to bad weather driving, and motorists should take all factors into account.

Poor weather conditions are often blamed for causing accidents, but the main reason is often people driving unsuitably for the conditions.

Drivers, however, tend not to think about their driving until something goes wrong, and at that stage, it’s often too late.

When getting into a vehicle, a driver should always take a couple of seconds to weigh up the conditions.

How cold is it? How wet is it? With that in mind, they can adjust their speed and following distance to suit.

Drivers will also need careful effective observations, and proper reactions to what they are seeing, to stay out of trouble.

Inappropriate speed, inadequate braking distance and poor observation all contribute to the driver making a mistake, and the accident which follows.

Also beware of potential “micro climates” – areas where the frost or ice may linger in the shade of a tree, hedge or bank, or areas where water may gather, such as dips in the road.

Drivers should also remember that poor conditions don’t just occur in winter; in summer, a “smir” of rain on a road after a long dry spell can prove extremely slippery.

Think more about your driving, drive appropriately for the conditions and stay out of trouble. Keep safe and enjoy your driving.