RAC issues warning to drivers ahead of expected thunderstorms

As the Met Office expects the weather to turn from sunshine to thunderstorms in the UK this week, RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Sudden downpours have the potential to quickly make the roads far more dangerous places - a fact illustrated by official figures that show an average of 1,660 people are killed or seriously injured every year as a result of bad weather making roads slippery. In 2022 alone, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 53 such fatalities. Our patrols are also expecting a 75% rise in calls from drivers whose vehicles become ditched or bogged due to intense rainfall.

“Anyone travelling by car when thunderstorms are expected should delay their journeys until the storms pass if possible. Otherwise, it’s best to stick to major roads, reduce speeds and always keep a firm grip of the steering wheel. It’s essential motorists do everything they can to avoid breaking down in the first place, like checking oil and coolant levels on their cars when the engine is cold. Oil should be topped up if it’s low, and if coolant isn’t between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ levels then drivers should top that up too – or take their car to a reputable Mobile Mechanic or garage to get it checked without delay.”