An automotive expert has urged drivers to avoid leaving home during Storm Eowyn without putting five important items inside their car first.
With the Met Office issuing weather warnings in various parts of the country, many drivers are looking for ways to prepare themself and their vehicle for another bout of bad weather.
Richard Owen-Hughes, a motoring expert from Driver Hire, recommended that all Brits make sure that they put a spare change of clothing for all occupants in their vehicle, which can help to keep everyone comfortable if they are left stranded.
He advised: “A warm waterproof coat, waterproof boots, a jumper, gloves, and a hat could be the difference between being freezing in cold temperatures or staying as comfortable as possible.
“This goes for all passengers, not just the driver, so it’s advisable to have warm clothing packed in the vehicle at all times.”
In addition to clothing that can help to keep vehicle occupants warm and comfortable, Driver Hire also suggested that motorists should keep a high-visibility jacket handy.
Whilst they are not a legal requirement, Rule 275 of the Highway Code requires motorists to make sure they can easily be seen by other road users, particularly in low visibility conditions typically experienced during storms.
Drivers could also pack a reflective warning triangle that can easily be placed behind the stranded vehicle in order to alert approaching traffic and reduce the risk of accidents.
Another item that Richard urged all motorists to keep in their car during Storm Eowyn is a torch, complete with a set of working batteries, which can be used to get the attention of other road users.
He continued: “Having a working torch gives drivers the best chance of being seen by other road users if their vehicle lights have failed.
“It also allows people to check their own vehicle if in an emergency – I would advise a headtorch to completely free up your hands.”
Finally, Richard advised drivers to keep a battery pack in their vehicle that can easily be used to charge phones that are low on charge in order to call for assistance.
He explained: “Having a multiuse battery pack to charge electrical devices could mean you can still make that call to a helpline, and get out of a dangerous situation.”
Alongside this, it is vital that motorists have the right cable for their phone in a convenient location, such as inside the glove compartment.
