Drivers have been warned to take extra care when travelling during the colder winter months as heavy snow is set to disrupt major roads over the next few days.
The warning comes after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for snow and ice across the UK particularly impacting England and Wales.
In response to the weather warning, experts are urging drivers to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary journeys which could cause their vehicles to break down.
One expert flagged how colder weather causes one motorist death every three days with road fatalities during winter up eight per cent since 2022.
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Data shows that one driver dies every three days during the cold weather
GEM
James Luckhurst, GEM Motoring Assist head of road safety, said: “It makes sense to postpone a journey if possible. Agree to reschedule a meeting or a visit ifit’s not vital. In that way, you’re avoiding a lot of potential trouble for yourself, and ensuring you won’t be putting additional strain on emergency and recovery crews.
“Ensuring that you and your car are properly prepared for winter can make a big difference towards keeping you safe on the roads.”
Offering tips for drivers on how to stay safe on UK roads, GEM suggested making sure the windscreen and all other windows are “completely clear” of snow and ice before setting off to allow maximum visibility while travelling.
Drivers should also take a set of essential items with them including a shovel, a fully charged mobile phone, a torch, an ice scraper, food, water, jump leads, a first aid kit, warm clothes and a supply of sand or gravel which can help give wheels grip if they start spinning.
According to Churchill Motor Insurance, almost 8,000 weather-related collisions occurred in 2023, marking almost one every hour.
The report also detailed how last year 59 casualties occurred due to slippery roads and 4,458 collisions while rain, sleet, snow or fog caused 21 fatalities and 1,307 collisions.
Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, added: “The sharp increase in weather-related incidents, with one motorist death every three days, is deeply concerning. With wintery weather forecast, it’s more important than ever for drivers to take extra precautions.
“Simple steps like checking your tyre tread, ensuring your head and rear lights are working properly, slowing down in icy or wet conditions, and maintaining a safe following distance can make all the difference. We urge motorists to stay vigilant and prioritise safety on the roads this winter.”
Having a dirty or frosted windscreen also caused two fatalities and 87 collisions last year, highlighting the growing need to de-ice vehicles before setting off. “Don’t just clear a small peephole in your windscreens to see through,” Churchill warned.
This could not only be dangerous but could also lead to a fine as it breaches rule 229 of the Highway Code. The Code requires that windscreens are clear of ice, snow, and mist before setting off.
If caught on UK roads with partially cleared screens, drivers can face fines of up to £2,500, three penalty points, or even disqualification in more severe cases.
Drivers could also be fined for not having their tyres winter-ready and for failing to reach the minimum tread depth for cars which is 1.6 millimetres around the circumference of the tyre.
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Drivers should only travel if essential during the snowy weather
GEM
The RAC warned: “Should you get caught by the police you could be on the end of a £2,500 fine per tyre – meaning that you could end up paying £10,000 in total.
“This could also lead to three penalty points per tyre. This could increase to 12 in total and a six-month disqualification for repeat offences within three years.”
