Just as we thought we were coming to the end of winter the
UK has seen a lot of snow fall this week.
Of all the seasons winter requires the most care and preparation. At TBR Global safety comes first so we have
many policies in place for our driver as well as all vehicles having the winter
tyres fitted. Below is some great safety
tips from our affiliate charity Brake.
Brake urges drivers to follow the A, B, C of
staying safe in winter and bad weather conditions.
Avoid driving
If possible, avoid driving in snow and other treacherous
conditions. Never set off when it's snowing heavily or if it’s forecast to
snow, and avoid driving if you possibly can in other bad conditions like fog,
heavy rain and ice. Consider alternatives like public transport. If you drive
to work, speak to your employer in advance about home-working arrangements when
the weather is bad, especially if you live in a rural area prone to flooding or
snow.
Be prepared
Even if you avoid setting off in dangerous weather
conditions, you could get caught out, so be prepared by: - ensuring your
vehicle is
well-maintained through
an up-to-date MOT, regular service, and regular walk-round checks by you
- regularly
checking tyres to ensure they’re in good condition and have a tread depth
of at least 3mm to be safe in the wet.
- making
sure there is anti-freeze in your radiator and windscreen washer
bottle.
- keeping
an ice-scraper and de-icer in your vehicle at all times in winter.
- packing
a winter driving kit in case of emergency. This might include: a torch;
cloths; a blanket and warm clothes; food and drink; first-aid kit; spade;
warning triangle; and high-visibility vest.
- always
take a well-charged phone in case of emergencies, but don't be tempted to
use it when driving.
Car batteries are more likely to die in winter, so take
steps to ensure yours doesn’t. If your car battery is old (more than five
years) or there is sign of it struggling to start the car, get it checked by
your garage and replaced if needed.
Clear ice, snow and condensation completely from your
windscreen and all windows before setting off. Clear snow off the roof of your
vehicle too, as it might fall and obscure your vision during your journey.
Check forecasts and plan your route carefully. In bad
weather, major roads are more likely to be cleared and gritted. Allow plenty of
time for potential hold-ups.
The
Met Office provides up to date forecasts, and issues warnings when
severe weather is likely.
Careful, cautious driving
If you do get caught in bad weather, follow these steps to
minimise the dangers.
Slow right down: if visibility is poor or the
road is wet or icy, it will take you longer to react to hazards and you should
reduce your speed accordingly. Take corners very slowly, and reduce speed
further if your view of the road ahead is obscured. Always stay well within the
speed limit and look out for temporary speed limit signs. Never speed up
suddenly if fog seems to have cleared. Fog can be patchy and you may suddenly
re-enter it.
Maintain a safe gap behind the vehicle in front: the
gap between you and the vehicle in front is your braking space in a crisis. In
wet conditions you should leave four seconds, and in ice or snow, drop right
back as much as possible. Stopping distances are double in the wet, and can be
ten times greater in icy weather. Never hang on someone else's taillights.
This can provide a false sense of security and mean you're not fully focused on
the road.
Be extra vigilant for people and hazards: be
aware that people on foot, bicycles, motorbikes and horses are harder to spot
in adverse weather. Drive slowly and cautiously so you are able to spot
vulnerable road users in plenty of time and not put them in danger. Look out
for signs warning of hazards, people, adverse conditions or temporary lower
speed limits.
Stay in control: avoid harsh braking and
acceleration, and carry out manoeuvres very slowly and with extra care.
Use lights: put lights on in gloomy weather and
when visibility is reduced. Use front and rear fog lights in dense fog.
Remember to switch off fog lights when visibility improves.
Snow and ice: follow these tips if you get
caught driving in snow and ice:
- use
the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, but taking care not to let
your speed creep up.
- brake
gently to avoid locking the wheels. Get into a low gear earlier than
normal and allow the speed of the vehicle to fall gradually.
- take
corners very slowly and steer gently and steadily to avoid skidding. Never
brake if the vehicle skids, instead, ease off the accelerator and steer
slightly into the direction of the skid until you gain control.
- If
stuck in snow, do not spin the wheels or rev the vehicle, as this will dig
the vehicle further in. Instead, put the vehicle into as high a gear as
possible and slowly manoeuvre the vehicle lightly forwards and backwards
to gently creep out.
- if
you are stuck fast, stay in the vehicle unless help is visible within 100
yards. Do not abandon your vehicle as this can hold up rescue vehicles.
Rain and floods: follow these tips if you get
caught driving in heavy rain and floods:
- keep
well back from the vehicle in front as the rain and spray makes it
difficult to see and be seen.
- look
out for steering becoming unresponsive, which can happen if water prevents
the tyres from gripping. If this occurs, ease off the accelerator and
gradually slow down. If possible, pull over somewhere safe until the rain
stops and the water drains away.
- never
attempt to cross a flooded road if you are unsure how deep it is; only
cross if you can see the road through the water. Apart from potential
damage, many vehicles require only two feet of water to float.
- if
driving on a flooded road, stay in first gear with the engine speed high
and drive very slowly. Do not drive through floodwater if a vehicle is
coming the other way. If possible, drive in the middle of the road to
avoid deeper water near the kerb.
- test
brakes immediately after driving through water by driving slowly over a
flat surface and pressing the brakes gently. Warn passengers first.
In high winds: take extra care passing over
bridges or on open stretches of road exposed to strong winds. If your vehicle
is being blown about, slow right down and take great care to maintain a steady
course. Keep well back from motorcycles and high-sided vehicles as they can be
particularly affected by turbulence.
In winter sun: dazzle from low winter sun can be
dangerous. Keep a pair of sunglasses in the vehicle all year round
(prescription if needed) and keep your windscreen clean. Wear your sunglasses
in bright sunshine, especially if the sun is low or reflecting off a wet road.
Gritted roads: the Highways Agency is
responsible for keeping England's motorways and major 'A' roads clear of ice
and snow, and local road networks are the responsibility of local authorities.
In some cases there may be a lag before roads are treated so never assume that
roads have been gritted.
If you feel uneasy still about driving in the snow or think
that your car is not prepared for the weather then do NOT take the risk. TBR vehicles are fully prepared for this
weather and the drivers are experienced with thorough training. If TBR Global can assist with any transport then
please contact us.
TBR Global is rooting for the New England
Patriots and Seattle Seahawks this weekend as the NFL Super Bowl XLIX kicks
off! Whether you are travelling to the game in Arizona or headed to a friend’s
house, TBR Global is there to get you home safe and sound. This game is guaranteed
to be very intense as the former 2014 Super Bowl Champion Seahawks take on the
three time Super Bowl championship pair Bill Belichick and Tom Brady of the
Patriots. 
Don’t forget to root for your favorite
puppy! A favorite among pet lovers, the Puppy Bowl is a highly anticipated show
offered as an alternative to the Super Bowl. Puppies from across the United
States are placed in an arena to battle for the Puppy Bowl championship! Their
fierce game names and loveable faces are a hard contender for television time
during the Super Bowl. 
