www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk


DECEMBER 2013


EDITORIAL COMMENT 3


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Preparing for winter


This is the time of year when temperatures drop and snow starts falling.


Any drop in temperature fuels the global warming debate, but put simply local authorities have to be prepared in order to get the roads ready for winter.


They are under increasing pressure to keep the roads clear of snow and ice.


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But what lessons can be learned from other countries in Europe? John Saint from Scarab explores this subject in detail on page 15, and makes the point that the UK’s approach to winter road maintenance is being increasingly placed in the spotlight. Whilst temperatures here may never fall as low as they do in countries such as Denmark and Sweden, it is surely worth taking a look at the winter maintenance techniques used on the continent.


With so much technology now in place to help keep the UK’s roads clear and safe, local authorities at least have a fi ghting chance.


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Motorists can also play a part by taking responsibility for their own driving and journeys. Preparation is key. I recently experienced the thrill of a drift experience at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Under the guidance of an instructor, I was led out in the very latest rear- wheel-drive Toyota GT86 to a low grip facility, which features a special custom-made slippery surface.


Or our biennial Seeing is Believing exhibition – demonstrating real working environments – urban,


rural and motorway – in daylight, dusk and darkness www.sib.uk.net


I was guided through several car control exercises, including straight line braking, obstacle avoidance braking techniques, and controlling under steer and over steer on an ice-like surface. The instructor also showed me how to control and steer the car in a sideways slide to experience the thrills of drifting safely. As well as being extremely fun, the whole experience got me thinking.


This would be a great thing for young drivers to experience as an educative, entertaining and safe way to experience car handling on the limit. It also goes back to my earlier point about motorists being properly prepared for winter. Although you should avoid driving in wintry conditions unless your journey is essential, every driver should be able to adjust their driving to suit the conditions.


Learning how to do so from a young age would defi nitely help.


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Alec Peachey Editor Highways Magazine


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