Take Extra Care When Driving This Winter, Warns CIS

MANCHESTER, England, November 8 -- Leading motor insurer Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS), is warning drivers to take extra care when using their cars, during the coming winter months. Figures from the UK Department for Transport show that 3,431 people were killed in road accidents last year, with over 35,000 seriously injured.

With nights getting longer it is imperative that motorists are even more vigilant. Many drivers will be making their way to and from work in the dark, and sometimes in terrible weather conditions.

Before you Leave on Your Journey:

- Check the engine oil level, coolant levels, brake fluid level, windscreen washer liquid level, tyre condition and pressures before setting off.

- Use a special formula windscreen washer that will not freeze at low temperatures and will keep your windscreen clear from frost and ice.

- Make sure the antifreeze in your radiator is up to strength.

- Be prepared for an emergency if you are unavoidably out in poor conditions. This includes keeping not just a de-icing spray, first-aid kit, torch and jump leads, but a spade and a pair of Wellingtons in your boot should conditions be really bad and you have to dig yourself out. Don't travel without warm clothing and take a blanket and a flask containing a hot drink for longer journeys.

- Tell someone where your going and what time you expect to be there, take your mobile phone and make sure that the battery is charged.

- If you are not a member of one of the motor emergency services, check with your insurer they maybe able to offer you a roadside assistance package at an extra, reasonable rate. Keep any helpline numbers that your insurer or emergency service provider has given you handy in your car.

When Driving:

- Drive in accordance with the conditions and keep your speed down in order to give you adequate reaction time, remember its not just you that could have an accident, be aware of other road users too.

- Brake gently, vary the pressure you exert on the brake pedal, braking sharply will cause the brakes to lock, which in turn can result in you loosing control of the vehicle.

- Avoid sudden acceleration and do not attempt any manoeuvres, which could cause you to swerve suddenly.

- Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front and take special care if there are cyclists and motorcyclists on the road.

- If you intend to drive in snow and ice and the roads are remote and snowbound, or have not been gritted, consider fitting snow chains to your wheels where practical (and affordable). This will give extra grip and will help if you really have to make the journey.

- Even when the snow and ice appears to have gone, roads may have 'black ice' or unseen icy patches. Be careful when driving over stretches that do not get much exposure to the sun or which are lined by trees and rocks.

CIS General Insurance Director, Andy Watson said: "People are often in a rush first thing in the morning and drive their vehicles without fully realising how bad conditions really are. Take note of the weather reports on television and radio and consider leaving the house five minutes early. The best advice of all is to take your time and not to drive when conditions are so bad that they can become dangerous. Stay at home or check the availability of public transport, drive only if your journey is absolutely essential."

Notes to Editors:

- Co-operative Financial Services was formed in April 2002 to bring together The Co-operative Bank, smile (the Internet bank) and the Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) under the common leadership and management of Mervyn Pedelty, Chief Executive of CFS.

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