RAC Advise motorists to avoid all non-essential journeys

RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: “With a potential Met Office red alert for Bristol and hurricane force winds accompanied by torrential rain expected in the south west between 1am and 6am the RAC is advising motorists to avoid any unnecessary travel and if possible delay essential journeys until weather conditions improve.

“We’ve boosted our patrol support numbers by 20% ​ to meet additional demand and anticipate it will be incredibly difficult on the roads tomorrow morning with a big risk of flooding and fallen trees.

“We are urging motorists to use the window of opportunity today to check their windscreen wipers and to ensure that their tyres have adequate depth of tread and are at the correct pressure. It is also worth checking your oil, and coolant levels and to top-up the windscreen wash and it may be worth filling-up with fuel if you have a long journey.

“It would also be worth checking the RAC’s winter driving advice. Visit rac.co.uk to read our section on driving in high winds and heavy rain, the RAC Route Planner also has up to the minute traffic news and live weather.

“Remember in heavy rain to use dipped headlights, reduce your speed and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front. ​ In high winds you should take extra care when crossing high ground and bridges and especially when over taking lorries and look out for debris in the road.

“Be very wary if you have to drive through flood water. ​ Reduce your speed significantly and avoid creating a bow wave. ​ Modern vehicles are very reliable but they are not waterproof - deep flood water can be drawn into the engine causing catastrophic damage. And do not drive into fast flowing water.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest News

Website preview
‘Double dose of delays’ on the cards for drivers making 18m bank holiday trips
Motorists advised to travel later in the day as most journeys are planned between 5am and midday
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Drivers support court-ordered ‘alcolocks’ to tackle drink-drive reoffending 
RAC encourages the Government to take a different approach to reduce drink-drive collisions
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Maddened by maintenance? Quarter of drivers see car servicing and repairs as a hassle
‘Repairs rigmarole’ solved with RAC’s nationwide network of mobile mechanics who can service and repair vehicles at home or work
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to nearly 14 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app