Stay Safe on the Roads in Wintry Conditions
The nights are dark and the mercury is plummeting. It can mean only one thing: winter is here.
The shorter days and icy chill bring hazardous conditions, nowhere more so than on the roads, where drivers need to take extra care to avoid accidents.
There are certain key precautions motorists can take before setting out and during their journey:
• Use a good quality screen-wash that protects down to at least -35C to prevent the water from freezing;
• Use lukewarm water or de-icer to defrost the outside of your vehicle. You should never use hot or boiling water;
• Be prepared for every eventuality by ensuring that your car is equipped with key items including a blanket, shovel, phone charger and a map;
• Remove snow from the top of your car. Otherwise, breaking sharply could cause snow to fall onto the windscreen and hamper your vision or another driver’s;
• Accelerate gently, use low revs and change up to a higher gear as quickly as possible;
• You may need to leave as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap between you and the car in front.
From a legal perspective, there are a number of other considerations to take into account to ensure you stay safe and within the law:
– Make sure you take the time to clear your windscreens before setting off. Failing to do so could see you facing a charge of driving without due care and attention;
– Check your tyres for adequate tread. Poor tyres will not grip when driving on snow and ice and could leave you with points on your licence or even a ban;
– Reduce your speed in poor weather. Driving too quickly for the conditions could result in dangerous driving allegations with a mandatory ban;
– Be particularly careful not to use your telephone while driving. A conviction carries 6 penalty points but even more importantly, wintry driving conditions require your full attention.
Of course, all of these potential offences are dealt with more seriously by the courts if injury or a fatality is involved.
How can our Criminal Law Solicitors help?
Whether you’re facing a minor road traffic matter or a more serious driving charge, you will need the expert advice of a criminal law solicitor.
Gotelee Solicitors LLP act for anyone in any walk of life who is being investigated, and our criminal law lawyers are well respected throughout Suffolk and East Anglia for our ability to minimise the impact and achieve a positive outcome for our clients.
If you require further assistance about this or advice on any aspect of criminal law, you can contact Hugh Rowland on 01473 298141 or send an email to hugh.rowland@gotelee.co.uk.
