Drivers set to suffer as Brits brace themselves for the coldest week of the year

4 min read
  • Green Flag warns more than 114,000* breakdowns (11 every minute) are expected this week, as Arctic weather sweeps across the UK
  • As forecasters warn that Britain must brace itself for the coldest week of the year
  • The Met Office has issued a snow and ice warning as polar air mass spreads across Britain
  • In order to keep drivers safe on the roads, Green Flag has issued tips on driving in ice, snow and rain: https://www.greenflag.com/winter-driving
     

As forecasters warn that Britain is set to have the coldest week of the year as temperatures continue to plummet. Leading breakdown provider Green Flag predicts more than 114,000 breakdowns will occur on Britain's roads this week, as the difficult weather conditions take hold.

An abundance of ice and snow showers are set to hit the UK over the coming days – and with weather conditions causing havoc on British roads, 11 breakdowns a minute are predicted to take place across the country.

In response to the adverse weather conditions, Green Flag has issued a set of tips on how to drive in snowy and icy conditions, to encourage drivers to stay safe on the roads.  
 

Simon Henrick, Head of News at Green Flag, commented: "The plunging temperatures and icy conditions may take some drivers by surprise this week, so it's important that drivers do all they can to stay safe in the more challenging conditions.

"By thoroughly checking their cars before they leave home, and approaching the roads with caution, drivers will decrease the risk of encountering a problem on the roads this week."
 

Winter Driving Tips

  1. Check your speed and use gentle driver inputs - even if the roads have been gritted they’re likely to be slippery.
  2. Give more warning than usual to other drivers - when turning, stopping or changing lane.
  3. Keep plenty of distance between cars - you never know when you'll hit an icy patch. If you pass the same landmarks as the car in front of you within three seconds, you’re following too closely.
  4. Check whether your car has ABS anti-lock brakes. In the unlikely event that it doesn’t, pump the brake pedal slowly to prevent the wheels locking up and skidding.
  5. Be extra-wary of black ice. It’s an invisible danger that can catch out even the most careful driver.
  6. Approach corners at a steady speed, in as low a gear as possible. Don't touch the clutch unless it’s absolutely necessary, steer smoothly and avoid braking on bends.
  7. Ensure you’re familiar with your car’s ventilation system to prevent windows from steaming up. Air conditioning will keep windows free from mist and condensation.
     

Ends


Notes to Editors:

*Figures based on Green Flag internal data from the same period [05.02 – 11.02] in 2017, weighted to market share

With over 40 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com