Drivers Warned Over Stopping Distances in Winter

Drivers have been warned that stopping distances will be at least double during the wettest months of the year, posing a severe threat to all road users.

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have urged motorists to follow six simple steps when driving in wet conditions to reduce the risk of accidents.

Autumn months are typically the wettest months in the UK, and motorists should be aware that the highway code advises drivers to drive according to the road conditions as tyres will have less traction in wet conditions.

Drivers can more easily feel the lack of grip in the ice and snow of winter, but in the wettest autumn months, modern car tyres will grip the road effectively in the wet until they lose grip under hard braking, often taking drivers by surprise.

Stopping distances are worked out by adding the thinking and braking distance, which can vary depending on the road conditions and the car’s condition.

At 60mph, the total stopping distance is around 75 metres, but in the wet, this doubles to 150m – approximately the height of the Blackpool Tower.

Checking parts of the vehicle, such as the condition of the brakes and tyres, can help reduce stopping distances while managing the space to the car in front will ensure drivers have room to stop safely in the wet.

A spokesperson from LeaseCar.uk said: “It’s essential for drivers to be aware that stopping distances will at least double in the wet.

“As we enter the wettest months in the UK, motorists must manage their speed and distance to the car in front to prevent any serious accidents.

“Motorists only need to visualise the height of the Blackpool Tower to understand better the distance they will need to safely stop their vehicle during the wettest months.

“Drivers should regularly check the condition of their vehicle, paying particular attention to the brakes and depth of tyre tread as stopping distances will increase significantly in the wet if either are in poor condition.”

Here are the six simple measures drivers should take to reduce the risk of having an accident in the wet, as recommended by LeaseCar.uk:

1. Monitor Tyre Tread

 Not only do stopping distances double in the wet, but threadbare tyres will grip the road even less, meaning even greater distances before drivers can safely stop their vehicles. Tyre tread can quickly harden in cold weather, leading to further loss of control.

2. Regularly Check Brake Condition

 If you’re noticing a delay in the car slowing after pressing the brake pedal, there’s a high chance that the car has worn brake pads or the brakes have developed a fault. In the wet, it’s crucial that the brakes work as they should; otherwise, already large stopping distances increase further.

3. Manage the Distance to the Car in Front

 One good guide is the two-second rule in the dry, which involves picking a stationary object by the side of the road and counting the seconds between the car in front passing the thing and you passing it. In the dry, two seconds is the minimum time recommended. In the wet, this increases to four seconds. If you are in the wet within four seconds, give yourself more space to brake safely.

4. Cautious Driving

 Wet conditions mean less grip on the road. Driving at slower speeds and braking in a controlled way will help keep the car balanced in the damp and you in control. It’s also best not to press too hard on the accelerator to prevent the likelihood of the car skidding and the wheels from spinning on the wet tarmac.

5. Check Headlights Are Working

 One of the most important checks is ensuring the headlights are in complete working order. During the darker months, having faulty lights can make it more difficult to calculate a safe stopping distance to the car in front.

6. Take Regular Breaks

With the weather getting darker earlier during the autumnal months, driving requires more significant concentration levels and can be draining. It’s essential to regularly rest at services to keep you energised while driving, as tiredness can increase the chances of an accident due to delayed reaction times.