With last winter being the UK’s coldest for 100 years and the expectation that this year could be even chillier, APC Overnight, the UK’s largest independent parcel network, has issued a set of driving tips to keep motorists safe on the roads this winter.
As forecasters continue to predict the coldest winter on record, the delivery company has taken the decision to issue seasonal driving tips.
The tips are usually given to the firm’s delivery drivers to ensure packages are delivered safely and on-time in the run up to the busy Christmas season.
Surjit Ram, APC Overnight Transport Manager said:“With winter conditions getting increasingly worse in recent years we’ve decided to make our winter driving tips available to everyone to help keep drivers safe on the road.“
“Whether you are commuting to work, or travelling to visit distant relatives over the Christmas period, the country’s winter conditions have the potential to add serious delays to your journey, not to mention putting your safety at risk.“
“As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, motorists should take the opportunity to put their vehicles through a winter service, as well as checking antifreeze, coolant, and battery levels. Visibility is often the key to safety, so it is always a good idea to replace wiper blades before the seasonal onslaught of rain and snow.“
“Winter tyres should be considered. It’s also worth keeping stock of emergency amenities, ranging from grit and a shovel, to bottled water and an in-car phone charger.“
“Finally, it’s important to make sure there is a spare tyre, the correct locking wheel nuts and a jack on-board, particularly if the tyre has been recently changed.“
APC Overnight’s winter driving tips at a glance
- Service the vehicle and check antifreeze, battery, and coolant levels.
- Replace wiper blades.
- Consider changing to winter tyres.
- Ensure the vehicle is equipped with a spare tyre, warning triangle, jack, torch, and high visibility jacket.
- Keep a stock of additional emergency items such as a small bag of grit or road salt, a shovel, antifreeze, blanket, water, and an in-car phone charger.