Driving to the conditions

Drive to the conditions

No matter how anxious you are to get to your destination, or how badly you want to get home after a weekend please:

  • stick to the speed limit
  • take regular breaks
  • be patient in heavy traffic and;
  • stay alert.

Don’t let your holiday or weekend away, end in a tragedy.

Slow down

Posted speed limits are the maximum speed a driver should reach in good conditions. If conditions are hazardous, drivers should always reduce their speed accordingly. Increase your braking distance by leaving ample room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

Apply your brakes in a steady and controlled manner. Braking hard and suddenly in wet weather can cause you to lose control. Do not accelerate quickly after stopping; apply gentle pressure to your accelerator to avoid skidding.

Visibility

Seeing and being seen is crucial. Turn on your headlights to increase visibility in foggy conditions. Ensure your windscreen wipers are working effectively and your vehicle is mechanically sound.

Be patient

Traffic volume on the road increases over the holiday periods. Allow extra time to travel to your destination.

In bad weather do not attempt to cross a flooded road, bridge or causeway; you never know what the water depth, flow or road damage might be. Never ignore a warning sign and always heed advice about avoiding roads which may be affected by snow, debris, mud, flooding or a motor vehicle collision.

During the colder months, surface moisture or dew can freeze and become ‘black ice’. Take particular care when travelling on roads in these conditions. If heavy rain, hail, sleet or snow make driving too difficult pull over safely to the side of the road and wait until conditions improve.

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