Mark Newberry, Commercial Director at Green Flag, said: “The imminent arrival of Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice on UK shores will see many parts of the country affected by strong winds of up to 90mph, while some parts of the UK could even see snow. The onset of strong and disruptive winds, coupled with millions travelling over half term, means that Green Flag is expecting a spike in breakdowns from Wednesday 16th February across the country, especially in Southern Scotland, Northern England, and the north of Northern Ireland.

“As a result of these weather conditions, we urge drivers to remain cautious and to carry out the relevant safety checks before setting off on their journeys. It’s particularly important that people are as prepared as possible to withstand the high expected wind speeds and potential snow in some areas.”

Green Flag's top tips for driving in strong winds:

1.      Plan your journey - You wouldn’t go outside in freezing cold weather without a warm coat, so why head into a storm without first checking for disruption? Go online and plan your route to see if there are likely to be road closures or delays.

2.      Hold onto your doors - When you’re opening a car door in strong winds, especially from the inside, have a firm grip of the door handle and be prepared for the wind to catch it. High winds can cause serious damage to a door’s hinges.

3.      Think about where best to park - Try to avoid parking beneath trees or near a building’s roof, as falling debris could damage your car or cause serious injury.

4.      Grip the steering wheel firmly - Some drivers find it more relaxing with one hand on the steering wheel. This is never a good idea, especially when faced with strong gusts of wind. Grip the wheel firmly with both hands.

5.      Leave more room - Reduce speeds and increase the distance between you and other traffic, especially if roads are wet. Also, be wary of high-sided vehicles, motorbikes, and cyclists, they are all particularly vulnerable to the effects of the wind.

6.      Stay safe if you breakdown – if you find yourself experiencing a breakdown while travelling on the motorway it’s best to try and turn off the road at the next exit. If this isn’t possible, pull onto the hard shoulder and turn on your hazard warning lights. Exit the car using the doors facing away from passing traffic, wait behind a barrier and move up the bank at the side of the road if you can. Don’t put yourself in danger by attempting to make any repairs yourself, call for help, or call your breakdown provider who will ensure you’re safely back on the road as soon as possible.

Breaking down in high wind speeds or the freezing cold isn't anyone's idea of fun, so it’s important to have your car in the best possible shape to face up to the tough conditions. See Green Flag's advice on how to drive in strong winds here.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Hayley Fewster

Green Flag PR Manager

Email: [email protected]k 

About Green Flag

With over 50 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 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.