An amber weather warning for high winds is in place in Edinburgh as Storm Dudley arrives in the capital.
The city is set to experience very poor conditions on Wednesday and Thursday as the storm sweeps across the country, with high winds and heavy rain forecast.
According to the Met Office, road services are "likely to be affected" by Storm Dudley, with the Forth Road Bridge being closed to double decker buses.
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Driving in these conditions can be very dangerous, and leaving the house for a car journey is not recommended unless it is an essential trip.
Vehicle experts at CarMats.co.uk have urged motorists to take care whilst driving if they have to leave their homes during the bad weather.
They have compiled a list of seven tips to help drivers stay safe on the roads during poor weather ahead of Storm Dudley.
1. Prep for your journey
Before driving in a heavy downpour, it's worth questioning if the journey is an essential trip.
In most cases, a heavy downpour will come and go, so it may be worth delaying your trip until later.
If the trip is necessary, then you should alert a friend or relative to let them know of your route.
If you do plan on going out, make a few necessary checks before heading off:
Fuel: Try and fill up before you make the trip, your fuel consumption will increase when you're using your lights, wipers and ventilation all at once.
Wipers: It's essential that your windscreen and rear windshield wipers are in full working order as they will keep your windows clear and improve your visibility. Check for they’re working properly at all settings and are clear of debris before setting off.
Tyres: Your tyres play a major role in keeping you safe during a heavy rain downpour - so you should check that they are in a suitable condition, with the recommended air pressure and tread depth, so you can guarantee your tyres have a safe amount of grip on wet roads.
2. Stay up to date with weather news
Check your local news and radio stations, either before or during your journey, so you can stay informed about the changes in the forecast.
This will also help you stay up to date with any potential floods or road closures that may affect your journey or pose any dangers.
3. Maintain space & a steady pace
Drivers should be extra vigilant when driving in rain, as the stopping distances are increased, so you will need to brake earlier than usual.
Keep a steady pace throughout your journey and leave double the amount of space between you and the car in front. Instead of leaving a two-second gap between your vehicle and the one in front, increase that space to a four-second gap.
No one can control the weather, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be liable when the weather is a factor in a car accident.
According to the law, since motorists have the power to choose whether or not to drive in hazardous weather conditions, then you could still be held responsible for an incident you are involved in, despite the wet weather contributing to the reason.
If you are involved in an incident in bad weather, you could face:
A charge for ‘Careless Driving’ under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which can lead to 3 to 9 points and an unlimited fine.
A charge for ‘Dangerous Driving’ under Section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Being found guilty can lead to imprisonment, a compulsory driving disqualification and extended re-test.
Therefore, a driver must change their behaviour to account for the adverse road conditions. For example, it is irrelevant if a road has a speed limit, as the driver must go slower due to wet road conditions.
4. Driving through floods
For some of us, it's a guilty pleasure driving through a puddle but it's always best to avoid them when you're able to as they can cause a great deal of damage to a vehicle.
Take your time and evaluate the puddle or flood in front of you - if you don't think you can successfully drive through the water, then try to find another way to your destination. It's not worth the risk of driving through it as your car could begin to float and you will have to evacuate the vehicle.
If you do risk driving through, you could end up damaging your engine. Water can cause your internal engine parts to 'hydrolock', which prevents the pistons from compressing and moving as they should. If this happens, you will likely face a hefty repair fee or you may even need a new car.
If it is doable, then you should keep your car in a lower gear, this will help you to maintain control and motion. As you're about to exit the puddle, gently brake as this will create heat and help to dry up any potential moisture.
5. Remember your lights
Although it may be tempting to use your fog lights, you should avoid using these as they can mask your brake lights and dazzle other drivers on the road.
Instead, you should use dipped headlights as this will increase your road visibility to other drivers.
6. Avoid large vehicles
Steer clear of lorries, trucks and large vehicles when driving through the rain as the heavy vehicles can spurt water over your windscreen and windows and reduce your visibility.
7. Broken down? Call for help
If the wet weather has caused you to break down, or worse, has caused an accident, then you should try to pull up and find a safe space to park. The first point of call should be the breakdown services.
Do not attempt to fix a motor-related problem yourself, as opening the bonnet during a heavy downpour can cause further damage to your vehicle.
