Drivers urged to put 6 items in car by Wednesday | Tech News

Drivers are being urged to put together for more snowstorms which look set to freeze the UK this week, from Tuesday all the best way to Friday, after the Met Office issued yellow climate warnings for snow for components of Scotland with more snow forecast for the times following in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

The forecaster has urged people to beware of journey disruption on the roads and railways this week, with a 39-hour snow warning in Scotland, one other separate warning for the Shetlands, adopted by snow forecast in England and Wales later in the week. As half of its advice on driving in cold climate linked to its forecasts, the Met Office has shared info from breakdown consultants on the RAC, urging people to put at the least six key items in their car to help deal with the snow. As nicely as filling up with fuel, these key items might be a literal life-saver if you end up stranded, because the Met Office warns you may.

It urged drivers to pack in their car:

1. Warm, high vis garments and blankets

“It’s sensible to have some warm clothes to wrap up in case of a breakdown – a big coat, gloves, a spare jumper, hat and gloves. If you need to leave the vehicle in the dark, it’s crucial that you can be seen by other motorists – it could even save your life.”

“Flat or dead batteries can happen to any car regardless of age and at any time, but in cold weather such problems are far more likely to occur.

“Always have a set of jump start cables or jump leads in the car.”

“In an ideal world you would plan your journey to include fuel stops but sometimes things don’t go to plan. If you find yourself without fuel, it’s essential to have an empty fuel can available.”

“In an ideal world you would plan your journey to include fuel stops but sometimes things don’t go to plan. If you find yourself without fuel, it’s essential to have an empty fuel can available.”

“Unless the weather is very snowy you shouldn’t usually find deep snow on treated roads, but if you’re driving on smaller roads or there is a snowstorm or blizzard you may be surprised. With a shovel you can dig yourself out.”

“A phone light won’t really give you visibility if you’re stuck by the side of country road in winter. A large torch with spare batteries or a wind-up torch which doesn’t require battery power is essential for your vehicle.”

The Met Office mentioned in its yellow climate warning for many of north east Scotland and the Orkney Islands on Tuesday and Wednesday: “Rain feeding into eastern and northern Scotland will increasingly fall as sleet and then snow through Tuesday and into Wednesday. By Wednesday accumulations of 1-3cm are expected above 100 metres, with perhaps up to 5cm in some places. For ground above 200 metres, accumulations of 10cm are expected with some places locally seeing up to 20cm.

“At low ranges precipitation will probably be a combine of rain, sleet and snow which may lead to some small snow accumulations in locations.

“Strong winds at times will lead to blizzard conditions and drifting of lying snow, especially in the north of the warning area.

“Snowy, wintry climate could cause delays and make driving situations harmful. Keep your self and others protected by planning your route, giving your self additional time to your journey. Check for highway closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if obligatory.

“If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).”