Bad weather driving tips from Northgate Vehicle Hire and Van Excellenceoffers top tips to keep safe on the roads during bad weather
14 January 2015:As the cold weather, snow and ice set in,the UK’s leader in flexible vehicle hire, Northgate Vehicle Hire, has teamed up with the Freight Transport Association’s scheme,Van Excellence, to provide drivers with a set of best practice tips when planning a journey in winter weather conditions:
Clear your vehicle
Clear any snow and ice from your vehicle before you set off! Snow from the roof of the vehicle falling onto the windscreen or behind you whilst driving is something hazardous that we often forget about.
Stock up on essentials
Try to keep warm clothing, water and some food in the vehicle in case you become stranded or break down in the bad weather. Situations with a lengthy wait to be rescued can become dangerous if you’re unprepared.
Stick to main roads
Primary routes are more likely to have been cleared or gritted, it’s best to avoid country roads and residential streets if possible as these can be unsafe.
Check travel updates
Local traffic reports will be your best friend in bad weather. It can be worth checking known accident hotspots online too before setting off.
Avoid steep hills
Sharp inclines are dangerous obstacles in poor weather. Snow and ice especially increase the danger of getting stuck or even rolling backwards. If you can’t avoid the hill, wait until the vehicle in front has made it to give yourself a clear and safe run.
Leave extra time
Set off in plenty of time to allow yourself to travel at safe speeds. With traffic moving a lot slower and delays more likely in bad weather, it’s best to leave as much time as possible to avoid becoming careless when in a rush.
To keep up to date with Northgate Vehicle Hire and Van Excellence’s Winter Safety Campaign, please visit:
Northgate Vehicle Hire has sites across 73locations in the UK, with its head office in Darlington. For further information please visit Follow Northgate on Twitter at
ENDS
For more information on this story, please contact Amy Airey, Helen Bailey or Lizzie Marlow at Manifest Communications on 0113 2429 174 or email:
Notes to editors:
Northgate Vehicle Hire, the market leader is flexible vehicle hire, has shaped and defined the van hire market for over 30 years. Operating over 60,000 vehicles on rental through 73locations, which include 56 workshops and 356 mechanics operate within the direct service network.
Northgate keeps thousand of businesses on the road and making money, 24 hours a day, seven days a week through providing a totally flexible and risk free way of acquiring and operating vehicles. By doing this, Northgate customers can concentrate on what is really important to them; delivering great customer service and growing their business.
For further information please visit