The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is reminding drivers to be aware of surroundings when travelling in adverse conditions. DVSA is responsible for maintaining road safety and ensuring vehicles and drivers meet legal standards in the UK.
They also carry out driving tests, approve driving instructors and MOT testers, and conduct roadside checks on vehicles. In a post uploaded to X, formerly known as Twitter earlier this week, the motoring agency says: "When driving you should give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders plenty of space.
"They may need to avoid obstacles such as wet or icy patches. Also pay close attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make." There are rules for driving in adverse weather conditions, including wet weather, icy and snowy weather, windy weather, fog and hot weather.
According to rule 226 of the Highway Code, you "must" use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you "must" switch them off when visibility improves.
Guidance from the Department for Transport outlines the dangers of driving in wet weather, it states: "In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road.
In wet weather you should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead. If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually."
When driving in wet weather, you should take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. In winter, the driving agency suggests that you check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather.
Guidance states: "Do not drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey.
"Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down."
Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for rain have been issued for Saturday and Sunday, covering parts of north Wales, northwest England and southwest Scotland.
Persistent and occasionally heavy rain is expected over the weekend, with outbreaks of rain spreading in from the west during Saturday and Sunday before eventually easing during Sunday afternoon and evening.
The Met Office says that rainfall totals of 30mm or more are likely across the warning areas, with significantly higher amounts possible over exposed upland regions. Strong south-westerly winds are also possible at times.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Hicks said: "While there is still some uncertainty around the timing of individual pulses of heavy rain, the combination of prolonged rainfall and already saturated ground means there is a chance of further disruption to travel and localised flooding. We expect further unsettled conditions to continue into next week and are closely monitoring developments."
The outlook for much of December remains unsettled, with further areas of low pressure expected to bring more wet and windy weather. The Met Office says: "It is too early to provide details for Christmas, but updates will be posted across Met Office channels as we get closer to the time."