Amber warnings issued for Storm Goretti - RAC comment
Following Amber warnings for snow and strong wind issued by the Met Office this week, RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “These relatively rare amber weather warnings for snow must be heeded by drivers. They're clear signs that disruption is likely across a large swathe of Wales and central England, and possible over a much greater area of the UK. People may want to consider avoiding driving overnight from Thursday into Friday or bringing journeys forward to avoid being stuck in the worst weather.
"These aren’t conditions anyone wants to be caught out in, so those who have to drive need to be confident on potentially slippery surfaces, have ensured their vehicles are up to the task, and are carrying an emergency breakdown kit so they can stay warm and communicate easily should they get stuck or break down.
"Melting snow and surface water that have frozen increase the likelihood of encountering black ice, which is very dangerous as it’s almost impossible to spot. In these sorts of conditions, it’s vital motorists take extra care. The best advice is to drive more slowly and leave extra space behind the vehicle in front as stopping distances will be much longer. If the car starts skidding, steer gently into the direction of the skid to keep the car straight. Use the gears to slow down if necessary but avoid any sudden movements.
"Never be tempted to use hot water to clear a frozen windscreen which, rather than being a ‘hack’ could actually lead to an expensive crack. Instead, leave more time before setting off and carry a decent scraper and de-icer so you can clear the windscreen quickly. Stick to major roads that are more likely to be clear of snow and stay tuned to weather forecasts to decide if it’s a good idea to drive."
