b'SEASONAL DRIVINGAutumn Autumnhasarrived.Thechangeinseasonscan oftenbringnewchallengingdrivingconditionswith From 25th March 2022, in the UK, it became illegal to hold a phone, sat nav, tablet or any device that can sendDriving temperatures dropping, nights drawing in and leaves falling creating slippery road surfaces. Here are some or receive data whilst driving. This doesnt just apply to phone calls. If youre using a device for any reason whilstimportant changes, checks and considerations to take driving, you can get a maximum ne of 1,000 and up to 6 points on your licence. In some cases, you could alsoon board while driving in these following months.be taken to court or be banned from driving. If you have passed your driving test within the past 2 years of the oence, youll also lose your license. This Law Applies Even if You are;Strong winds can be a dangerous hazard when driving and can impact theMaintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially high-sided ability to steer the vehicle and remain on a straight path of travel. vehicles, and caravans.Inverywindyweather,yourvehiclemaybeaffectedbyturbulence,Remain alert to possible falling created by larger vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected so keeptree branches and other debris.Stopped at trac lights Queuing in trac Driving a vehicle thatHolding or using aA Passenger.You could getwell back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.turns o the engine whendevice that is innedasapassengerwhilstPlanyourjourneycarefully, you stop ight mode using mobile phone, if you areRetain a firm grip on the steering wheel, aware that a strong gust of windcheckingweatherandtraffic instructing a learner driver. can catch you off guard. bulletins regularly.Mobile Phones are a Distraction; Keep both hands on the steering wheel and your speed low.DistractionareamajorDistractionscaninclude40%ofdriversnameJust reading a text or emailFog is one of the most challenging conditions to drive in as it dramaticallyMaintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front, increase the causeofcollisionswitheating,drinking,settinghand-held mobile phone usetakes a drivers eyes o thereduces visibility and makes the road ahead difficult to read. gap to at least 4 seconds.drivers 4 times more likelysatnav, radios etc - anythingasoneoftheirtop4roadroad for at least 5 seconds. to be in a crash if using athat takes your eyes o thesafety concerns. Travellingat50mphthatsDrivers who fail to exercise care when driving in fog can be held liable forKeep your windscreen clear and demisted.mobiledevice(evenhandsroadordistractsyourenoughtimetotravel112injuries and other damages in a resulting vehicle collision.free). concentration on driving. metres. Use lights where visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or Driving can be difficult with the lack of clear visibility from low sun androughly the length of a football pitch.Best Practice Tips fog. When driving in fog, set your headlights to low beam.Dont rely on following the taillights of the vehicle in front, as these If Fog is shown on a sign but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank ofcan give a false sense of security.fog or drifiting, patchy fog ahead.If using hands-free devices, Always ensure a clear viewUsingamobilephoneforDo not hold or interact with a make sure they are fully set of the windscreen and roadnavigation is legal, as long asmobile device while driving. Driving fast through water is dangerous, inconsiderate and can end upAfter driving in wet conditions, test brakes as soon as possible.up before starting to drive. ahead. it is kept in a cradle and notbeing very expensive. It only takes an egg cupful of water to be sucked in the drivers hand. into an engine to wreck it. The rain and spray from other vehicles may make it difficult to see The Consequences; Leave twice as much space from the vehicle in front. and be seen.Allow yourself plenty of room to see, DistracteddriverswhocauseThegovernmentisconsideringDrivers can get 3 penaltyIf steering feels light due to aquaplaning, ease off the accelerator andplan ahead and stop in an emergency. deathorseriousinjurybyincreasingthepenaltyofpointsiftheydonotslow down gradually. Keep a greater distance from the car dangerousdrivingfaceacausingdeathwhilstdrivinghave a full view of thein front.maximum penalty of 2 yearswhenusingahand-heldroadandtracAvoid driving into flood water that is moving or more than 10cm (4 imprisonment,unlimiteddevice from14 yearstoaheadorproperinches) deep.neandobligatorylife imprisonment. controloftheBe mindful of throwing water onto pavements, soaking pedestrians driving ban. vehicle. or cyclists. The Networker Autumn 2023 33.'