As motorists across the UK set off on their annual Christmas car trip to the in-laws, parents or close friends, a leading organization is calling for vigilance as these drivers traverse the busy highways.
For some of these seasoned travelers, this trip will take on a unique twist this year, with a fair proportion opting to enjoy a winter-time caravan experience over the festive break.
But whatever it is you decide to do this winter, careful driving is always paramount.
In previous years organisations like the Institute of Advanced Motorists has called on drivers to be careful of icy road conditions which can result in a loss of control and even crashes.
But with more and more car users opting to invest in winter tyres, the risk of this type of collision has reduced somewhat.
However while slippery road surfaces may be a more manageable concern, one group has warned that the freezing highway conditions are bringing a different kind of danger – potholes.
With water falling into the small cracks and holes in the road before expanding, problems ensue when this liquid subsequently freezes and expands breaking apart the surface in turn. This process is duly repeated, causing yet more damage.
Worst hit areas
The worry over potholes was echoed by the AA who recently released a list of the worst affected roads in the country.
They found that the roads are actually better than this time last year but still have a large number of potholes – with Scotland judged to have the worst roads.
The survey found that Scottish roads have an average of 8.9 potholes per mile. London fared best with 4.9 per mile, while the average was 6.25.
Interestingly a recent survey found that Scotland also has the worst maintained road markings.
Warranty Direct’s Duncan McClure Fisher is keen for motorists to be prepared.
“More cold weather over Christmas will not only create more holes, it will move council staff from repairs to gritting duties, so potholes will appear faster than they get fixed,” he said.
“The only way to avoid damaging your car is to be on the lookout.”
