TyreSafe urges drivers to increase safety vigilance amidst Met Office yellow weather warnings

With wet autumn weather yielding treacherous driving conditions, road safety charity TyreSafe is urging drivers to remain diligent and prioritise safety on the road. The Met Office’s yellow weather warnings for heavy rainfall mean roads can pose significant challenges for motorists, but quality tyres in good condition can significantly improve safety in deep water. A TyreSafe video, embedded below, demonstrates how well-maintained tyres can help avoid aquaplaning.

TyreSafe also advises all drivers to consider the following essential precautions:

Check Your Tyres: Proper tyre maintenance is crucial, especially in wet weather. Ensure that your tyres have adequate tread depth and are correctly inflated. You can use the 20p coin test to check your tread depth. Insert a 20p coin into the main grooves of the tyre; if the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread may be too low.

Drive to the Conditions: Wet roads can be hazardous, particularly during heavy rainfall. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping distances. Remember that it takes longer to stop on wet roads, so adjust your driving accordingly.

Avoid Aquaplaning: Aquaplaning occurs when your vehicle’s tyres lose contact with the road’s surface due to a layer of water. To avoid aquaplaning, ensure your tyres have sufficient tread depth and drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions. If you do experience aquaplaning, gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go without making any sudden movements.

Stay Updated: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and traffic updates before setting out on your journey. If possible, postpone your trip until conditions improve if weather warnings are in effect.