Road Safety Week is a good time to remind ourselves of the need to adapt our driving style as we head into the darker colder months. We need to be prepared for changeable weather and to ensure we all remain safe while driving. To try and assist with the preparation, our Driver Risk partners, TTC, have come up with a handy guide to help us prepare for the coming months ahead.

With dazzling low sun or thick fog and drizzle, visibility is often an issue during autumn. Meanwhile, with fading light and lowering temperatures, vehicle maintenance is also of primary importance. Follow this guide and stay even safer on the road this autumn.

Visibility

The low sun at this time of year often dazzles and can surprise drivers. A hazy film builds up on the

inside surface of windscreens over time. Scratches, abrasions and chips on the outside can intensify the sun’s dazzle too.

• Improve vision by making sure that your windscreen is clean – inside and out.
• Keep sunglasses in the car, even in winter.
• Check that the washer reservoir is topped up with a good quality additive.
• Check and clean windscreen wiper blades.

Wind

Be aware of unexpected winds on exposed roads and bridges. As winds hit your vehicle you may be momentarily forced off course. Particular caution should be taken when overtaking high-sided vehicles.

Puddles and potholes

Stay well back of the vehicle in front; more space means more time to observe potholes and other road surface dangers.

Fog

Avoid using the main headlights beam when behind another driver. You’ll dazzle the driver ahead and also cast a shadow onto the oncoming fog.  Also avoid speeding away from a vehicle that is close behind you, or speeding away too fast when fog clears, as it could come back.

• Make sure that you have any automatic headlights function switched on so your lights turn on as the evenings draw in.
• Keep your lights on for around an hour before sunrise and an hour before sunset.
• In the day use dipped headlights, not just running lights or sidelights.
• Only use fog lamps when visibility is severely reduced.
• Rear fog lights are bright and can hide your brake lights – turn them off where appropriate.
• Beware of other drivers (and cyclists) not using their lights.

You can find all these tips, as well as some Autumn Car Care tips on the poster on the UK News download page here