Thousands of new and generally younger drivers will be facing their first autumn and winter on the road since passing their tests earlier this year, and dangers are around the corners.
They may well have already encountered some pretty challenging conditions, but telematics insurance provider, drivelikeagirl, is urging new drivers to be extra vigilant to changing road conditions as we head into the Autumn and winter beyond.
In the next few weeks visibility will be reduced with shorter days, leaves falling onto wet roads and dropping temperatures bringing the likelihood of ice. Inexperienced drivers need to be aware of the increased slippery conditions on the road.
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“Young drivers with less experience on the roads are likely to be more vulnerable than older more experienced drivers – especially if this Autumn brings their first experience driving in wet and slippery conditions since passing their test,” said Kelly Wilkins, Head of Customer Service, drivelikeagirl. “Our data shows that the risk of having an accident increases when road conditions are poorly lit, wet and slippery.” According to data from sister brand, insurethebox, during the darker days of Autumn and Winter, which bring more challenging driving conditions, drivers face an added 12% increase in accident risk. “The position of the Autumnal sun can also have an effect on motorists’ visibility”, warned Kelly Wilkins. “While the days will be getting shorter, the sun is getting lower in the sky and as a result, drivers may experience a stronger glare at certain times of the day. For many drivers, this may be the first time they have experienced this. “Drivers should remember if the sun is behind them, then it could be dazzling those in the car coming towards them. Plus, if the sun’s in their eyes, the chances are the drivers behind are experiencing the same loss of visibility too.” |
Night fright |
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| Friday the 13th – considered unlucky for centuries and with many a horror film keeping its fear factor alive – is a difficult day to ignore, even in modern times.
So drive like a girl says that drivers could have just cause to be nervous as they get behind the wheel this Friday 13 September. Analysis of almost five billion miles of driving data and associated claims shows that Friday is the most likely day for motorists to have a road traffic incident. When its falls on the 13th of the month, accident rates rise, with motorists 32% more likely to have a crash. The risk of injury also increases, with 15% more chance of an injury in a car accident on the 13th when it falls on a Friday. |
Autumn Driving Tips from drivelikeagirl
- Slow down in wet conditions. This gives more time to react to hazards like cyclists without lights, pedestrians in dark clothing, and braking lights in front.
- To reduce the effects of a dazzling Autumnal sun, clean your windscreen, replace worn or damaged wipers and use sunglasses and sun visors.
- Use your headlights in the day time so other drivers can see you, but keep them dipped
- Try to avoid harsh braking and turning sharply for better control and to avoid wheel locking
- Allow plenty of room between you and the driver in front, particularly for motorways and dual carriageways. Stopping distances are doubled on wet roads and motorists should be at least four seconds behind the car in front; ten seconds when driving on icy road surfaces
- Check the tread on tyres and if the battery is over five years old, consider replacing it.
