drive like a girl urges young drivers who passed their test in the Summer months to watch out for Autumn driving challenges
The summer of 2019 has been a mixed bag – everything from record-breaking heat to almost hurricane like winds and dam-busting downpours. For new drivers who have just thrown off their L-plates they may well have already encountered some pretty challenging conditions. But telematics insurance provider, drive like a girl, is urging new drivers to be extra vigilant to changing road conditions as we head into the autumn.
In the summer, we usually enjoy relatively dry conditions and lots of natural light. But in the next few weeks, visibility will be reduced thanks to shorter days. Add to this leaves falling onto wet roads, and dropping temperatures bringing the likelihood of ice. Young drivers will need to be aware of the increased slippery conditions on the road and drive accordingly.
“Young drivers with less experience on the roads are likely to be more vulnerable than older more experienced drivers – especially if this autumn brings their first experience driving in wet and slippery conditions since passing their test,” said Kelly Wilkins, Head of Customer Service, drive like a girl. “Our data shows that the risk of having an accident increases when road conditions are poorly lit, wet and slippery.”
According to data from sister brand, insurethebox, during the darker days of autumn and winter, which bring more challenging driving conditions, drivers face an added 12% increase in accident risk[1].
“The position of the autumnal sun can also have an effect on motorists’ visibility”, warned Kelly Wilkins. “While the days will be getting shorter, the sun is getting lower in the sky and as a result, drivers may experience a stronger glare at certain times of the day. For many drivers, this may be the first time they have experienced this.
Drivers should remember if the sun is behind them, then it could be dazzling those in the car coming towards them. Plus, if the sun’s in their eyes, the chances are the drivers behind are experiencing the same loss of visibility too.”
Autumn Driving Tips from drive like a girl
- Slow down in wet conditions. This gives more time to react to hazards like cyclists without lights, pedestrians in dark clothing, and braking lights in front.
- To reduce the effects of a dazzling autumnal sun, clean your windscreen, replace worn or damaged wipers and use sunglasses and sun visors.
- Use your headlights in the day time so other drivers can see you, but keep them dipped.
- Try to avoid harsh braking and turning sharply for better control and to avoid wheel locking.
- Allow plenty of room between you and the driver in front, particularly for motorways and dual carriageways. Stopping distances are doubled on wet roads and motorists should be at least four seconds behind the car in front; ten seconds when driving on icy road surfaces.
- Check the tread on tyres and if the battery is over five years old, consider replacing it.
Media enquiries to:
Parm Heer/Nikki Weaver/Wendy Harrison
Tel: 0208 977 9132
Email: itb@harrisonsadler.com
Notes to Editors
Insurethebox and drivelikeagirl
Insure The Box Limited launched in June 2010 with its first product, insurethebox, and now holds over 4.5 billion miles of driving data and associated claims. As well as insurethebox and drivelikeagirl (another Insure The Box brand) it also administers other telematics offerings. Insurethebox is owned by Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited, part of the major Japanese insurance group MS&D Holdings, Inc. The group is taking a leading role in the development of technologies that will change the face of motor insurance and the way we view the car.
[1] Insure The Box analysis of 18,000 accident claims – October/November 2012 – 2016.