Red weather warning issued for south west England: Go.Compare urges drivers to stay safe and informed

With red, amber and yellow weather warnings in place for wind, rain and snow throughout the UK over the next 24 to 48 hours,* Go.Compare car insurance is encouraging motorists to prepare themselves and their vehicles for every weather eventuality.

Go.Compare is advising those who may have to use their cars in areas affected by the weather warnings to carry out some basic essential maintenance now - if it’s safe to do so - to be properly prepared for the adverse conditions. This guidance follows the comparison site’s recent survey which found that nearly 5 million UK motorists aren’t planning on doing any winter car maintenance checks, with only 14% putting an emergency kit into their car, and 19% checking their battery.**

Tom Banks, Go.Compare car insurance spokesperson, explained: “Red weather warnings are issued when there is a risk to life and so driving when these are in force is hazardous. We would always recommend avoiding using the car in these circumstances, unless absolutely necessary.

“If you do have to drive during a weather warning, your car insurance will cover you as normal, but if your insurer thinks you were driving irresponsibly or recklessly during a red weather warning, and you have an accident, it might not pay out your claim.”

Tom added: “If it’s safe to do so, prepare your car before you go out. Poor visibility, icy and snowy roads, and longer stopping distances will all affect how your car runs, so carry out simple checks, such as topping up your antifreeze and checking the tread on your tyres before you head out.

“Also, keep things like a blanket, snacks, a bottle of water and a spare power bank in your car during the winter. They could help you out more than you think if you get stuck on the roads.” Go.Compare has compiled a guide for driving in a red weather warning, which includes:

• Slow down during bad weather - roads will be more slippery when wet and icy, and high winds mean there may be more hazards on the road. Take your time as it doesn’t matter if it takes a bit longer to get somewhere.
• Leave more space between vehicles and objects as stopping distances can be more than double in wet weather and ten times greater in snowy/icy conditions than on dry roads according to The Highway Code.
• In strong winds, give high-sided vehicles like lorries and vans, plus vulnerable road users like motorbike riders, plenty of space as they’re more likely to be blown off-course. Remember to grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands, too, so you’re more in control if your vehicle is buffeted by strong gusts of wind.

For more tips on driving in the winter, head to Go.Compare’s winter driving guide.