Formula 1 Crash Highlights Dangers Of Wet Weather On Roads

In the wake of Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi’s tragic accident, Freeclaim solicitors are encouraging drivers to take extra care on the roads as the autumn weather affects driving conditions on our roads.

During the Japanese Grand Prix recently, the Marussia driver lost control of his Formula 1 car due to the severe wet weather conditions. The Frenchman, 25, crashed into a recovery vehicle attempting to remove a car that had smashed into the tyre barrier moments before.

Bianchi was later taken to hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery, treating the driver for a fractured skull. Bianchi is currently still in intensive care and doctors have released a statement stating that the driver is in a critical but stable condition.  

Unfortunately, accidents due to severe weather conditions are all too frequent on UK roads. Between April 2013 and March 2014 there have been as many as 189,880 reported road casualties of all severities on UK roads. Tragically, 24,160 people were killed or seriously injured. With the impending bad weather set to hit the UK over the autumn and winter months, drivers face more dangers on the road. Flash floods, high winds and icy roads can all contribute to dangerous conditions.

Freeclaim Solicitors are urging all drivers to not only take extra care, but also provide some quick tips to get your car ready for changes in driving conditions:

• Check your windscreen for cracks, check wiper blades (they normally last around 2 years) and top up your windscreen washer fluid.
• Battery failure is one of the most common causes of breakdown in winter. Ensure everything is turned off when you park. Check your battery – if it is more than 5 years old consider changing it now before the possibility of failure later in the year.
• Check your lights at least once a week and carry spare bulbs. Don’t forget to check your brake lights and number plate lights as well.
• If you need anti-freeze, ensure you have the correct anti-freeze in the appropriate concentration for your engine.
• Check all tyres (the legal tread depth is 1.6mm, however a tread depth of 3mm is recommended for driving at this time of year).  Also check you have a spare tyre (with the correct tread), a repair kit and the necessary tools.
• Check under the bonnet to ensure there are no leaves blocking vents or with potential to cause damage to your electrics.

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D Cobourne

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