| SWINTON WARNS MOTORISTS TO ACCLIMATISE | | | | "We have seen a significant rise in minor accidents |
| TO MONSOON CONDITIONS | | | | where we believe thatthe rain impaired stopping |
| Leading high street broker issues "Monsoon Motoring | | | | speeds and reaction times. The problem is that |
| Mantra" to combatextreme weather dangers. | | | | Britishdrivers are not used to travelling in these |
| The increasing frequency of freak weather conditions | | | | sub-tropical conditions which unfortunatelyappear to |
| in Britain has led to a rashof car accidents, and car | | | | be happening more frequently." |
| insurance claims, caused by drivers failing to | | | | Swinton has now produced a "Monsoon |
| respondquickly to sudden downpours. | | | | Motoring Mantra", which it is advising drivers to |
| Leading high street car insurance broker, | | | | adhere to: |
| Swinton, is advising UK drivers, most of whom are | | | | · Switch on headlights |
| not used to extreme weatherconditions, to take | | | | · Check wipers are effective front and back |
| extra care. The move comes as Swinton reports an | | | | · Avoid overtaking |
| 8 per centrise in motor accident insurance claims | | | | · Slow down, using a lower gear if appropriate |
| during the recent round of deluges. | | | | · Keep wing mirrors clean so that rain water |
| Monsoon-type rain is a particular problem, with | | | | drips clear |
| sudden torrential downpours causinglocalised flooding | | | | · Keep your mobile phone to hand |
| and with it, a flood of claims. Gusting winds are also a | | | | · Listen to weather updates |
| problemat this time of year, bringing down trees and | | | | · Pack water-proof clothes in case of |
| power lines. | | | | breakdown |
| Swinton believes that an increase in motorinsurance | | | | · Ensure inside windscreens are grease-free and |
| claims is caused by motorists driving too quickly, and | | | | so they don't steamup |
| respondingtoo slowly, to the sudden loss of visibility | | | | · Plan unfamiliar routes and identify places to pull |
| and the rapid build-up of road waterduring tropical | | | | over such as servicestations |
| downpours, resulting in minor accidents. | | | | · Make sure tyres are regularly checked for |
| The Swinton warning echoes a similar call from | | | | tread and pressure |
| researchers at Newcastle Universityin September, | | | | · Stop vehicle in very poor visibility and apply |
| who said that extreme rainfall events have become | | | | hazard lights |
| more frequentand intense over a 40-year period in | | | | In the last month alone torrential rain and heavy |
| Britain. They said the examination of weatherrecords | | | | thunderstorms raged across the |
| from 1961-2000 proved further evidence of climate | | | | UK. Extensive flash flooding was reported across the |
| change occurring. | | | | regions, with Devon, Cornwall, |
| Swinton Marketing Director, Nick Bowyer, warned: | | | | Somerset, Wales and the north west particularly |
| "Monsoon rain conditionsare now a reality in the UK. | | | | badly hit. Two women had to berescued from their |
| They can occur with frightening immediacy. | | | | cars after they became trapped in their vehicles |
| Driversmust take more care when extreme weather | | | | because offlooding in east Devon. |
| conditions are forecast or occurring. | | | | |