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Home » News & Events » 2013 » November » Seasonal road safety advice for motorists

Seasonal road safety advice for motorists

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Road safety is a key element of the Service’s Winter Safety Campaign, and it works closely with the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia to highlight road safety throughout the year, particularly throughout the winter months.

Station Commander Alan Haley from HWFRS’s Community Safety department said: “Our crews get called to more road incidents than we do house fires each year, and the winter months are always particularly busy. Shorter daylight hours and icy conditions present extra hazards and increased risks for motorists using the many rural roads and motorways in the two counties. Please keep an eye on the weather forecast and local news and take extra care when freezing temperatures are forecast, particularly younger drivers who may not have driven on the ice before. Avoid unnecessary journeys if the roads are known to be icy”

He continued “It is important to take extra care when driving in the dark and to do all you can to prepare your vehicle for winter. Please prepare an ‘emergency kit’ for the car in case of break down or delay (to include an ice-scraper, torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, a first aid kit, battery jump leads, a shovel for snow, food & drink, and a mobile phone charger for the car).”

Drivers are also advised to:

  • Ensure their vehicles are properly serviced and that tyres have good tread depth.
  • Be mindful of keeping a safe distance from the car in front. Remember that it can take considerably longer to stop in icy conditions, so reduce your speed and keep your distance.
  • Clear all ice and snow off windows, mirrors, lights and roof - even for short journeys.