Car insurance: Drivers urged to cut speed in icy conditions

Thursday, 07 January 2010

Drivers have been urged to keep an eye on the speedometer when conditions are icy to reduce the risk of needing to make a claim on their car insurance.

Despite ice and snow affecting much of the UK, one motorist was caught travelling at more than 90 miles per hour (mph) in Dunblane, while another clocked up 76mph on the A811 in Stirling - where the limit is 60mph.

Neil MacSporran, from Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership, said driving at these speeds in treacherous conditions was "clearly irresponsible".

The Highways Agency warns that stopping distances are up to ten times longer than usual when roads are wet or icy, and advises drivers to drop their speed to allow more time for slowing and stopping safely.

"We see a lot of collisions that are caused by people not braking in time when the roads are wet or slippery," said traffic officer Eris Robertson.

"If it's foggy, raining, snowing or icy, make sure you slow down and keep well back from the vehicle in front of you."

Posted by Noel Martin

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