Ramadan 2025
Dated: 28 Feb, 2025
Blessings and goodwill to those of you celebrating Ramadan this month. Remember, as people prepare to break fast, traffic volumes will increase as they go home to their families. There are also likely to be more vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists, etc. travelling at the same time.
Please make sure all your front and rear lights are functional, and that you keep your windscreen clean and clear to avoid being dazzled by lights. Pedestrians will also be harder to spot in the dark, so always make sure you are going at an appropriate speed for your environment to ensure you have time to spot any vulnerable road users.
As much as the weather seems to be picking up, we all know how unpredictable the UK weather can be. If March sees any snow or ice, here are a few tips to keep safe:
- Brake and accelerate smoothly and gradually. This will keep you in control and decrease the likelihood of skidding.
- Slow down before bends and descending hills. Don’t let the environment control you!
- Drive in the highest gear possible, starting off in second gear if possible.
- Make sure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear. If you cannot see far into the road ahead, drop your speed and keep in control. Remember, your stopping distance can increase by up to 10 times in icy conditions, so you need to make sure you can comfortably come to a stop in the space you can see.
- Increase your following distance by ten times – even if your vehicle has safety features such as ABS.
- Light steering and reduced road noise mean you are driving on ice, take extra caution and drive at an appropriate and safe speed.
- Frost, ice and snow remain for longer under trees, on and under bridges and in areas exposed to wind. Again, take extra care and choose an appropriate speed in these environments.
- Make sure your wipers are in the off position (not obstructing your view) when you stop – they can freeze to the window, potentially blocking your view when you next set off.
