“Are you prepared for autumn driving conditions?” asks National Highways 

They have introduced a handy guide called TRIP to help motorists prepare for their journey. Topping up anti-freeze in your vehicle and checking your tyres are inflated to the correct air pressure are just two important things you can do to prepare for driving this autumn.    

Top-up

Starting with Top-up, it sets out the measures drivers need to take to make their car road ready.  

Top-up: Fuel, oil and screenwash highlights some of the basic vehicle checks you can carry out. Ensure your vehicle is fully charged if driving an electric vehicle.  

It’s really important to check your fuel level, water level and oil level before embarking on a long trip.  

Rest

Second in the series is Rest, which sets out the measures drivers should take to ensure they are not fatigued on their journey, running the risk of accidents. Recent stats suggest one in 20 accidents is caused by fatigue.  

Rest: take regular comfort breaks encourages people to be well rested ahead of their journey and not under the influence of alcohol, and to plan the journey, identifying places to stop for a break. 

Inspect

Third in the series is Inspect, which sets out the measures drivers should take to ensure their vehicle tyres are in good condition for the trip ahead.  

Inspect: check tyre pressure and tread focusses on some simple things you can do to care for your tyres.   

At the same time, it is worth checking your vehicle lights are working too – side lights, indicators, brakes and full lights and replace bulbs where necessary.  

Headlights, taillights or brake lights not working will make it harder for you to see and be seen by others in the dark, rain and fog.  

Keep windows and lights clean. Dirt and salt deposits can quickly build up, so ensure windows and lights are clean before your journey and that you have enough screenwash to keep your windscreen clear throughout your journey.  

Prepare

Prepare is the final letter in the acronym, which sets out the measures drivers should take to ensure they have covered for all eventualities for the trip ahead.  

Prepare: have a plan for all weathers encourages drivers and their passengers to take seasonal kits with them on their journey so they have provisions in the event of hold ups and traffic jams.  

It starts with checking the weather forecasts before setting out, with the Met Office providing accurate and reliable forecasts both regionally and nationally.  

During severe weather events, drivers are advised to follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates.    

Changing weather conditions

Andy Butterfield, Customer Services Director for Operations at National Highways, said: “The transition from summer to autumn brings changing road conditions and we all need to be aware of this, and adapt accordingly.   

“Weather conditions vary considerably throughout the year and sometimes change very quickly. To keep safe when travelling on our network, it's important to adjust the way you drive and prepare for travelling in different and changing weather situations.   

September and October can prove problematic for motorists when glare from the lower lying autumn sun could be an issue, or perhaps where daytime drivers will need to use their headlights and fog lights for the first time in months.  

There is also the hazard of fallen leaves on wet, slippery and frosty roads which can cause a skid hazard.   

Ground frost on the road reduces traction, so reduce your speed and avoid hard braking or abrupt acceleration, while frost on your windscreen must be cleared to give you full visibility, so keep de-icer in the car, allow more time in the morning to clear it, or keep a sheet on the windscreen overnight as it gets colder.   

National Highways has lots of advice on its website around travelling in severe weather conditions, including high winds and gales, fog, rain, snow and ice.  

Visit the travelling in severe weather web page for more info.   

Weather forecasts and information can be found on the Met Office website here.    

Travel information can be found by visiting National Highways’ Travel updates page, and by following @highwaysnwest @highwaysneast @highwaysseast @highwaysswest @highwayseast @highwayswmids, @highwaysemids @highwaysyorks on X, formerly Twitter or calling the National Highways Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000.

Published On: 28/09/2023 14:00:00

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