Driving Safely at Night Tips from Car Insurance Specialists Quinn-direct

    LONDON, ENGLAND, December 11, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With the shortest day of the year fast approaching (December 21st) and what seems to be endless dark nights and mornings combined with bad weather, car insurance specialists Quinn-direct have issued some tips on driving safely at night and in bad weather conditions.

- Before you drive off, make sure that your windscreen is clean and clear. If it is covered in ice, don't just scrape a bit of the ice away and hope the rest will go as you drive. If your windscreen vision is restricted, then you may be more liable to be involved in an accident;

- Similarly, if it is starting to get dark or it is gloomy, switch your headlights on; headlights should be clean and properly aligned before you set off;

- Check your tyre pressures regularly as well as the tyre tread. The thicker the tread, the more stability you will potentially have in slippery conditions;

- Tune your radio in to a lively music station or play an upbeat CD. While slower music or talk shows can be relaxing as you drive, it may make you feel sleepy;

- Open your windows regularly to get some fresh air and this will help keep you alert;

- If someone is approaching you with their high beam on, don't wait it out to see who will turn theirs off first, as all you will end up with will be two motorists both temporarily dazzled by the glare;

- On country lanes or unfamiliar roads, especially where there are bends, drive slowly and cautiously;

- Always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front;

- If you do feel that you have hit an icy patch, don't use the brake pedal, go down the gears and take your foot off the accelerator pedal to reduce the speed;

- Finally, just like us, cars hate the cold, icy weather and may be more liable to break down. Check that you have car breakdown insurance or take advantage of this cover for free when you buy car insurance from Quinn-direct.

For more information please visit http://www.quinn-direct.co.uk/.

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