SUMMER: Weather to turn after July heatwave
Post-heatwave summer storms could cause serious safety issues for road users, GEM Motoring Assist have cautioned.
The award-winning breakdown cover company and road safety charity are warning motorists that rain on the roads after dry weather can cause major problems.
David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, said: “Road users, especially motorcyclists, should be mindful of oil and rubber deposits that build up during long dry periods.
“These then become hazardous when rainfall churns up the residue, making it harder for tyres to grip the road surface.
“Therefore, motorists should increase the amount of time that they allow for braking, particularly when roads are at their most slippery.”
While the scorching temperatures continue and building storms threaten, GEM have shared their top motoring tips for the rest of the summer:
- While pollen counts continue to reflect high levels, motorists taking antihistamines should be mindful that some medication can cause drowsiness. It’s illegal to drive under the influence of drugs, whether prescribed or not, so check the effects of your medication with your doctor.
- If planning a long journey, avoid travelling during the hottest time of day. Take lots of fluids to drink during the journey, salty snacks to replace lost minerals, and a cooler bag with damp cloths to help soothe hot heads.
- When travelling long distances, make regular stops to rehydrate and rest. Driving in intense heat can affect your alertness and ability to concentrate.
- Always make sure that your pets are well catered for on car journeys. Try to keep them as comfortable as possible, and store plenty of water on board for them.
- Never leave animals or children in parked or locked cars, even for a very short while and even with the windows open.
- After a long hot spell, before you set off in your vehicle, use a damp cloth to clean the windscreen wiper blades to remove any deposits that could smear the screen.
Further advice and leaflets from GEM can be found here.
Image courtesy of Daniel CJ Lee, with thanks.
