When you prepare for road closures, remember that the circumstances are likely to differ according to the type of road that is closed, the reasons for the closure, and the length of time you are may find it closed.
Motorway closures
By way of illustration, let’s first take a look at a motorway closure. These occur quite regularly, and the most common reason is likely to be some kind of traffic accident or breakdown up ahead. Usually, you are only likely to be stuck there for a relatively short time – although major accidents or breakdowns can take several hours to clear.
You might be forced to come to a complete standstill although it is more likely to be the case that you crawl forward at an agonisingly slow snail’s pace.
Even when the traffic is moving very slowly, the AA recommends that you stay inside your car to avoid emergency vehicles or motorcycles that will weave between the lines of almost stationary vehicles.
If you are stuck there for several hours, you will be glad on any snacks and beverages you had the foresight to prepare and bring with you, together with some warmer layers of clothing if it turns chilly. Plus, a portable toilet for when you need to pee.
If the closure runs beyond several hours, of course, you and the other drivers will want to abandon your vehicles and come back later when the road is clear. At this stage, you are likely to be directed off the motorway by the emergency services and you should follow their instructions and recommendations.
Blizzards
If you are stranded on the motorway – or, indeed, any other road – because of a sudden blizzard, the motor breakdown service Green Flag recommends that you stay with your vehicle unless you can see help within 100 metres away.
While you are in the car, keep yourselves warm by running the engine with the heater on for about ten minutes at a time. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow since a blockage could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Open any windows – if only a crack – that are in the lee of the wind.
Trunk and minor road closures
You might come across a trunk or minor road closure anytime and more or less anywhere. You are less likely to hear about these on any radio broadcast, of course, yet they may be more common than usual in wintertime when some lower-lying parts of the country have been subject to flooding.
However tempting it might be to chance your luck and press ahead regardless, remember that it is an offence to disregard any road closed notices – punishable with fines of up to £2,500.
Even if you get away without a fine, remember that the road closed notice is likely to be there for a good reason – so don’t be like the Yorkshire motorist who sailed past the road closed signs only to get himself and his car well and truly stranded in floodwaters.
Know your local road network
You will avoid any temptation to disregard road closed signs if you are already well prepared to know a handful of alternative routes. One of the best ways to prepare for road closures, in other words, is to get to know your local road network like the back of your hand. It is the kind of knowledge of and familiarity with your immediate surroundings that will pay dividends in many ways in any crisis or emergency – and not just because of road closures.
For similar reasons, but extending your field of activities somewhat further, make sure you know how to read a map, use a compass, and find your way into and out of all of those highways and byways of the British Isles.
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