Warning goes out to drivers in Cornwall as thunderstorms hit
Highways England is urging people to slow down, keep their distance and ease off the accelerator
Drivers in Cornwall are being urged to take extra care on the roads as a thunderstorm warning hits Cornwall.
The yellow alert from the Met Office is in force through until 10pm on Saturday night (24th July).
Forecasters say we could see flooding, lightning strikes and power problems.
Highways England is asking drivers in the South West to be aware and to drive to the conditions.
“It’s really important for people to adapt their driving in rain.
“Rain makes it harder for tyres to grip the road and harder for drivers to see ahead – significantly increasing the chances of being involved in a collision.
“Hail showers on higher ground can also create issues. These can happen with very little warning, resulting in shortlived but treacherous driving conditions.
“We’re encouraging drivers to be aware and to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys.”
National Network Manager, Amy Shaw
In wet weather Highways England advises drivers to:
• Slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen and remember that stopping distances will be at least double in wet weather, because your tyres will have less grip on the road.
• Keep well back from the vehicle in front as this will increase your ability to see and plan ahead
• Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually if the steering becomes unresponsive as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road
Following the easing of Covid restrictions, and the first weekend of the school holidays, traffic levels are expected to be high and Highways England is also asking people to be prepared for any long journeys.
Before heading out on the road:
• Take bottles of water with you to ensure you stay hydrated;
• Plan and leave plenty of time for journeys;
• Check the weather forecast for your destination;
• Check travel conditions before setting out and, where it is safe to do so, during journeys;
• Ensure you and your cars are fit for the journey, particularly tyre pressures and condition of tyres.