19/08/2004

Drivers urged to take extra care in severe weather

With heavy rain and strong winds forecast for many parts of the country over the next few days as the tail end of hurricanes cross the Atlantic, the Highways Agency have urged UK drivers to take extra care on the roads.

Drivers, especially of high-sided vehicles, are advised to take extra care during the very windy conditions forecast by the Met Office. The Agency is working with the police to ensure that disruption from accidents and incidents is minimised and traffic kept moving.

The Agency advises drivers:
  • in reduced visibility, to slow down and keep well back from the vehicle travelling in front - it takes longer to slow down and stop in wet weather;
  • after driving through floods, to test brakes before you continue driving at higher speed;
  • with high-sided vehicles or towing caravans to take extra care in strong winds;


  • and to check the latest information on weather and road conditions before they set off, and during their journey.
For information on weather conditions and severe weather warnings visit The Met Office website and listen to local radio broadcasts.

Details on road conditions are available online the at Highways Agency website or by calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0845 7504030.

The Agency monitors water levels and works with police where road lanes or carriageways have to be closed for safety reasons after heavy rain.

Together with local authorities the Agency works to help establish suitable diversion routes where necessary to minimise traffic disruptions.

(SP)

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