The UK is famed for its wet and miserable weather, with an average of 149 days of rain per year. This can make driving difficult, with slippery road surfaces and poor visibility.
Statistics show that people are 30 times more likely to be killed or injured on the roads in rain than when it snows. This has prompted the latest Highways England safety campaign, ‘when it rains, it kills’.
It is therefore essential to take the necessary steps to ensure that both driver and vehicle are correctly prepared for the journey.
Tips
You should always ensure that windscreen wipers both front and rear are in good working order. Wipers in poor condition can smear windscreens, making visibility poor.
Check that all tyres are in good condition, at the correct pressure and with treads within the legal limits. Keeping tyres in good condition ensures that they grip the road and push water away from the vehicle.
It is important that your vehicle is visible to other road users, which can be challenging in heavy rain. Always confirm that your lights are working.
Always drive slowly in heavy rain, adhering to the speed limits. This allows you to be more aware of your surroundings.
Use your air conditioning to prevent the car from steaming up and reducing visibility further.
Buying a Vehicle
Making sure that your vehicle is well maintained and in a roadworthy condition is the best way of ensuring safety, especially in downpours and other poor weather conditions. You should always ensure that your vehicle is booked in for its annual MOT, plus servicing. Many professional garages offer vehicle health and brake checks.
When purchasing a used vehicle, it makes sense to buy from an approved used dealer, as their vehicles will have been vigorously tested before purchase and often come with a warranty as standard. For examples of used vans for sale Cardiff, visit a used van specialist like https://cotswoldvancentre.co.uk/buy/used-vans-for-sale/cardiff/.
Ensure the safety of yourself and other road users by being prepared, and having a safe and well-maintained vehicle.
