Strong wind forecasts highlight need for road caution

Persistent strong wind forecasts from the Met Office have reminded drivers in the Manchester area that taking extra care on the roads this January is essential to the safety of local roads.

Winds stronger than 20 miles per hour have been forecasted throughout January, with no predictable pattern. This means that road users in and around the North West must take a great deal of caution when driving – particularly at high speeds, such as on motorways and dual carriageways.

The Met Office has also predicted frequent showers throughout Greater Manchester, which along with the rain presents drivers with an extra hazard to contend with.

How drivers should deal with strong winds in winter

The main problem when driving in windy conditions is the reduced level of control you have over the vehicle.

The best way to deal with this is to plant your hands firmly on the steering wheel at the “10-to-2” position, which gives you as much control as possible over the vehicle’s steering. Should you be subjected to sideways-blowing winds, you will be able to deal with it much more effectively and safely if you have two hands on the wheel rather than just one.

Reducing your speed is also extremely advisable, as the slower you are going, the more time you have to react to hazards. Using a fairly common example, an object such as a sign could be blown into the road and create a potentially dangerous obstacle; if you are travelling more slowly than usual, you will stand a better chance of safely dealing with such an obstacle.

Driving in higher gears is also advisable in any sort of adverse conditions, as it reduces wheel-spin and thereby improves the grip your tyres have on the road.

Especially when on motorways, it is important to watch out for the movements of other drivers as well as yourself. They may not be as cautious as you in windy conditions, and could easily veer into your lane if they lose control of their vehicle.

Have you been involved in an accident with another driver?

If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by somebody else, you may be entitled to make a claim. Even if the weather conditions at the time of the incident were adverse, the other driver should have noted this and taken more caution.

Sheldon Davidson Solicitors specialise in all types of personal injury claims, including medical negligence claims and road traffic accident claims, and have a strong track record and reputation. We obtain practical financial support and high-quality medical treatment for our clients, and, in the case of road traffic accident claims, can also organise for a replacement vehicle while yours is undergoing repair work.

To find out more about pursuing your claim, call our team today on 0808 9000 990 and speak to one of our Personal Injury Solicitors in Manchester, or alternatively fill out our online claim form.