Safety warning as winter weather continues

Safety groups are urging motorists to take extra care as winter weather continues for the next few days.

Road journeys are more difficult and treacherous when there is a fall of snow. Road safety organisations are encouraging drivers to make good use of some simple safety tips in order to reduce the chance of risk, delay and difficulty – and to avoid putting additional strain on the emergency services and breakdown providers who are likely to be at full stretch in winter weather.

• Be sure to adhere to the local coronavirus restrictions. The best advice is don’t travel at all unless it’s essential.
• Don’t drive if you don’t really need to. The easiest way to avoid trouble from winter conditions is not to venture out in the car.
• If you do have to make a road journey, then please ensure your car is properly equipped for the likely conditions. That’s because if you do experience a breakdown, you will most likely have to wait longer until help arrives.
• If bad weather threatens, or has already arrived, then postpone your journey and eliminate the risk of becoming stuck somewhere.
• Listen for weather updates, and plan your travel accordingly.
• Prepare a set of essential items, including shovel, fully charged mobile phone, torch, ice scraper food, water, jump leads, first aid kit, warm clothes and a supply of sand or gravel to assist with grip if your wheels are spinning.
• Keep your speeds down, leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front, give room to snowploughs and gritter trucks, and be ready for sudden, rapid deteriorations in conditions.
• Remember that driving in winter conditions can be hard work, so ensure you build in breaks on your journeys.