There’s certainly more of a chill in the air, and as the weather changes to an icier feel, other factors should come into consideration such as your own wellbeing and driver/vehicle safety. Driving in testing weather conditions is a challenge at the best of times, and requires a certain level of concentration, skill and experience.
It is of course important that you and your employees are confident when driving in such conditions, but also that all the necessary checks on your vehicle have been performed so that you know prior to departure that it is safe to drive. A useful link to the Met Office weather forecast can be found here, and always ask yourself; do I really need to make the journey?
Rule 123 of the Highway Code states that:
Please note, leaving the vehicle unattended with the keys in the vehicle, should as theft occur this could render your insurance voided and unable to pay out for the stolen vehicle or contents.
Rule 229 of the Highway Code states that:
Other points to consider are things like your windscreen. If for whatever reason your vehicle's windscreen is obstructed, and your view is compromised, then you could find yourself receiving a fine of £60 from a police officer.
In the UK the weather can change quickly, and therefore we need to be ready to adjust our driving to suit such conditions. For example:
Snow
Remember - It can take ten times longer to stop if roads are slippery.
Fog
Rain
Strong winds
It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and find yourself wanting to spread some Christmas cheer on your drive, but whatever you do, please resist the urge to do so. Those found driving in outfits that impact your ability to drive risk a “fine of £5,000 and/or discretionary disqualifications and nine points on your licence”.[1] This applies to Santa costumes, inflatable fancy dress costumes, Christmas jumpers, winter boots and coats, to name but a few.
Date: December 22, 2023
Category: Small Business