Be prepared for summer downpours

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9 June 2011 

Heavy rain showers following periods of dry weather make for particularly slippery conditions. IAM Drive & Survive head of training Simon Elstow offers the following tips on driving carefully in the wet.

·         Visibility will be reduced.  If you encounter a sudden downpour, slow down to the point where you will be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

·         Stopping distances will also be far longer than on dry roads. Allow at least twice as much time as usual to stop. Make sure you have plenty of tread on your tyres for optimum grip.

·         Think about replacing wipers that smear – fresh wipers will help you cope with unexpected showers.

·         Keep your windscreen bottle topped up with water and an appropriate screen wash – don’t use washing up liquid, which causes smears. Dead flies on the windscreen are a particular issue over the warmer months, and also smear when wipers are used. Clean the inside and outside of the screen regularly and you won't get caught out if it suddenly rains.

 

Elstow said: "Rain after a long period of dry weather makes the road surface extremely slippery. A combination of oil, loose gravel and dried rubber all make conditions more dangerous."

 

Notes to editors:

 

  1. IAM Drive & Survive is a commercial subsidiary of the IAM and promotes occupational driver skills and safety for vehicle fleets businesses. IAM Drive & Survive helps employers achieve their duty of care to employees and reduce road accidents while driving on business. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling.  The IAM has more than 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses.  Our policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

 

Note to the editor:

1.     For information about IAM Drive & Survive phone 0870 120 2910 or visit http://www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

 

Media contacts:

IAM Drive & Survive Press Office – 020 8996 9777

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