Whatever the weather… Every single day on the road is dangerous

Different weather conditions have their own dangers and demand different driving rules. When the weather is particularly bad, the first thing you must ask yourself is “Do I really need to make this trip”?

If your journey is essential then follow this advice and The Highway Code NI to adapt your driving to the weather conditions.

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BE VISIBLE

Rule 226 of The Highway Code NI says, “When visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet) ahead, you MUST use headlights. You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.”

 

SLOW DOWN

Whatever the weather you MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle. The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean that it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of the conditions.

You should ALWAYS reduce your speed when weather conditions make it safer to do so.

 

PREPARE TO STOP

ALWAYS drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear but in bad weather increase the distance even further. ALWAYS follow the 2 second rule – allow a 2 second gap between you and the vehicle in front.

But remember the gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads – Highway Code NI Rule 126.

OVERTAKE WITH EXTRA CARE

Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so and take extra care in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance.

 

Share this page with all your friends and family whether they are drivers, pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists because EVERY road death is one too many.

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