MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 10/04/12 -- With torrential rain and high speed winds of up to 70mph causing floods across the UK, Swinton Vans, the leading van insurance broker is warning van drivers to take extra care behind the wheel.

Drivers of high sided vehicles are most affected by wet and windy weather and are therefore are being urged to be extra careful while driving. With van drivers spending more time on the road than other users they are more at risk of an accident or breakdown in extreme weather conditions.

To reduce the risk of an accident, Swinton Vans is offering the follow tips:

--  Use your headlights in grey, wet weather. 
--  Keep your distance as stopping distances will be at least double of
    those on a dry day. 
--  If the steering becomes unresponsive it could mean water is preventing
    tyre grip, to correct this, take your foot off the accelerator and
    gradually slow down. 
--  Take extra care in these wet conditions around pedestrians, cyclists and
    motorcyclists, keep your distance when passing. 
--  Brakes are affected by water. If you have driven through deep water your
    brakes could be less effective than they would be on a dry day. To test
    the brakes, use the first safe opportunity you get to gently push the
    brake pedal and see if they work. If the brakes are not fully effective,
    apply light pressure while driving slowly to dry them out. 

Phil Moss, Commercial Vehicle Manager at Swinton Vans, said: "Those driving heavy weighted or high sided vehicles are likely to be the most affected in this weather. We are urging drivers to follow our simple steps to be prepared and fully aware of the dangers they could face. Van drivers should do anything they can to avoid an accident in this weather as it will have a significant effect on van insurance premiums."

About Swinton:

--  With over 500 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high
    street insurance retailer. 
--  Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton
    is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the
    community. 
--  Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of
    its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike
    and even classic car insurance. 
--  With a dedicated team on hand at every branch to search a panel of
    insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates.