Castle Combe Skid Pan

19/02/2014

The UK’s weather has been proving since January that extreme weather creates extreme challenges for all motorists, regardless of how long they have been driving. Heeding government and motoring agency advice, and acquiring specialist wet weather driving skills can be ways in which all road users can seriously reduce the risks to themselves and other road users.

The main Government advice for driving in these conditions is that headlights (dipped) should be used when visibility is seriously reduced e.g. down to less than 100 metres / 328 feet, and that stopping distances are at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. Both the official Government advice and the RAC tips however remind motorists that in very wet conditions tyres can lose contact with the road, steering can feel light, and a skid or aquaplane could mean that control is lost (perhaps until speed is reduced).

Skid Control Courses are a way in which motorists can learn to stay in control of this most dangerous of driving situations. With a growing recognition that climate change is likely to mean that very wet winter weather looking ever more likely in the UK this skill could prove to be something many more drivers will be hoping to acquire for themselves and / or for their loved ones as a gift.

27/01/2014

Accident statistics and *research show that drivers aged 17 and 18 are twice as likely to have a road accident as motorists in their 30s. Parents whose ...

20/12/2013

This is an interesting read. The main thing to take from it is to be prepared for ice and monitor your speed accordingly.

Promoting safe driving in icy road conditions during winter weather.

05/12/2013

One of the main hazards of driving in the winter is a lack of visibility. I have listed a number of threats that can hinder visibility in the winter.

1. Setting Sun
The sun is much lower in the winter which can cause a severe blinding glare. This Blinding Glare can be extremely dangerous, and can create a temporary blindness. (Much like that caused by Full-Beam Headlights.) You would be surprised at how many people forget about Sun-Visors, they do help so remember to use them!

2. Darkness
With reduced daytime light, the darkness settles in much earlier. This means we’re more exposed to bright artificial light from oncoming headlights, street lights and even Christmas Lights (in the happier parts of town). These artificial lights can cause something that’s known as a Distracting Glare.

3. Changing light conditions
Unpredictable winter weather can cause fluctuations in light levels. This can lead to squinting and eye fatigue for drivers. This can make it hard to see what’s in front of us. If you are planning a long journey I would recommend throwing in an extra stop, just to allow yourself to recover.

4. Rain/Snow
In addition to making roads slippery and increasing stopping distances, rain and snow creates a reflective road surface which, in combination with the bright low sun, can cause a blinding glare. It’s definitely worth taking into account and maybe wearing Sunglasses in winter isn't such a stupid idea?

5. Dirty windscreens
Many drivers forget, or choose against cleaning windscreens before setting off on a journey. Smudges and streaks can scatter light passing through the glass, making it difficult to see what’s ahead. A lot of drivers head off on a journey before a car has finished de-misting or on colder days de-icing. This is due to being unprepared, albeit waking up late, or being in a rush to get somewhere. You should try to allow time to make sure your windscreen is clean and clear before heading off on a journey. Visibility is bad enough as it is at this time of year, without making it worse for yourself!

Ensuring your vision is clear and that you are prepared for the reduced visibility will go a very long way to keeping you, your passengers and any other motorists safe on the road.

29/11/2013

We're doing a spot of Christmas advertising in bath today. If you come and find us you might be lucky enough to win a free Skid Course!

25/11/2013

Just a reminder, keep your windows shut this winter.

With winter fast approaching, it's always a good idea to prepare the house and the car for harsh weather and dropping temperatures. One definite way to protect your car from the elements is to roll up your window before a snowstorm hits.

22/11/2013

Here's a worrying statistic to emphasise the dangers of driving in the winter.

'Government statistics reveal more than 6,200 accidents attributable to ice and snow last winter, and those are just the ones that were reported. It’s likely that tens of thousands more small bumps and scrapes happened that were not officially recorded.'

However I don't agree with the statement 'Sometimes choosing not to travel can be the best preparation of all'

I feel that having the training to be able to drive in slippery conditions is much better preparation. Although staying in the warm comfort of your own house and not going to work sounds highly appealing!

A LEADING company car management firm has warned of the dangers approaching on the roads with the onset of winter.To coincide with National Road Safety Week LeasePlan UK has urged all drivers to consider the implications of their driving decisions as grip levels go down and accident rates go up.Gove...

21/11/2013

We have focused mainly on being prepared for the slippery conditions while driving a car. However Motorcyclists will feel the effects of the weather worse than car drivers. Here's a quick article on Bikers being prepared for winter driving. Being prepared for the conditions is very important! Regardless of whether you are on a bike or in a car.

As temperatures have begun to plummet and weather forecasters foresee the situation only getting worse, it is probably time for bikers to consider whether they have the right equipment for riding in the cold.

20/11/2013

Some more handy tips to take note of:

Tips for winter driving have been issued by Chippenham Volvo dealership M R G, at Methuen Park.

19/11/2013

Here's an interesting article on cyclists: http://ukcyclelaws.blogspot.co.uk/p/overtaking-cyclists.html

A few important points to pick out from it, that many road users fail to do.

Before overtaking you should make sure:
1) The road is sufficiently clear ahead.
2) There is a suitable gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake.

Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. You should:
1) Not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake.
2) Move quickly past the vehicle you are overtaking, once you have started to overtake. Allow plenty of room. Move back to the left as soon as you can but do not cut in.
3) Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car.
4) Take extra care at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance

Just be wary of other road users, they have every right to be on the road the same as you and take extra precautions in the slippery conditions.

This blog has been written to try and clear up some commonly misunderstood rules of the road relating to cyclists. A lot of people think they know the law and will gladly share their opinion on it with others without having actually read the Highway Code so this website should help clear a few matte...

18/11/2013

Car memes

17/11/2013

Here is a quick list of Frequent reasons for accidents in slippery conditions.

1 ) Inability to judge safe speed for conditions
2 ) Trying to take a corner to fast
3 ) Lack of Traction
4 ) Lack of Visibility
5 ) Aggressive Braking (Locking Up)
6 ) Aggressive Change of Gear
7 ) Failure to adapt to changing weather conditions
8 ) Failure to Prepare your car properly

Careful Planning, Preparation and Driving can avoid all of these.