Slow Your Speed, Avoid the Slide Warns Swinton

2012-02-15 01:06:12 -

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 02/15/12 -- With the winter weather finally hitting the UK and forecasters predicting snow over the next few days, Swinton, the UK's leading commercial van insurance : www.swintonvan.co.uk/ broker, is warning all van drivers to take extra care in these wintry conditions.
Up until now, many drivers haven't had to worry about the dangers of driving on icy roads due to the mild winter, but drivers should remember that normal day-to-day driving techniques need to be adapted to help avoid accidents when travelling on un-treated road surfaces.

Icy roads are extremely dangerous, particularly for those driving large vans with heavy loads. The heavier the van, the longer it takes for a vehicle to stop. Simple steps such as keeping speed to a minimum and increasing the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front can help prevent collisions.
Swinton has five safety considerations for van drivers travelling on icy surfaces:


--  Slow down - travelling at a slower speed gives drivers more control of
    their vehicle 
    
--  Try to avoid making harsh manoeuvres such as breaking, steering or
    accelerating - this is likely to increase the chances of a van skidding
    on un-gritted surfaces 
    
--  If breaking is necessary, pump the brakes rather than slamming on 
    
--  Stay in a high gear where possible - again, this will give the driver
    more control over the vehicle 
    
--  Increase the stopping distance between the vehicle in front - it can
    take up to ten times longer for a vehicle to stop on icy or snowy roads

Phil Moss, Commercial vehicle Manager at Swinton said: "We've had an extremely mild winter in the UK this year, but recent temperatures are making driving conditions hazardous for drivers. Van drivers tend to have much larger, heavier vehicles than general motorists, which makes them more at risk for losing control of their vehicle on slippery surfaces. Failure to take extra care in these wintry conditions could result in an accident which consequently could have an impact on van insurance : www.swintonvan.co.uk/ premiums."
For more information please contact Mairead Rodden or Lucy Gordon at SKV Communications on 0161 838 7770 or email firstname.surname@skvcommunications.co.uk : mailto:firstname.surname@skvcommunications.co.uk
About Swinton:


--  Swinton Commercial is the dedicated commercial insurance division of the
    Swinton Group 
--  Swinton Commercial was awarded Commercial Lines Broker of the Year 2008
    and is a finalist at the British Insurer Awards 2009 
--  With 603 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high street
    insurance retailer 
--  Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton
    is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the
    community 
--  Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of
    its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike
    and even classic car insurance 
--  With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a
    panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates

Contacts:

SKV Communications

Mairead Rodden or Lucy Gordon

0161 838 7770

www.skvcommunications.co.uk