Winter Road Safety Campaign

There are three main steps that motorists can take to make their journey as safe as possible. Firstly, drivers should make sure that their vehicle is in good working order and ready for the winter road conditions. For example, add a winter additive to the windscreen washer bottle and keep it topped up and make sure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure for the vehicle and its load and have plenty of tread.

Secondly, it is recommended that motorists prepare for their journey by checking local conditions before setting off and by ensuring emergency provisions are in the car including warm clothes, food, drink, a pair of boots, a torch and a fully charged mobile phone in case of a break down. Clearing all windows, mirrors and lights from ice and snow is also essential before making a journey.

Thirdly, motorists are advised to exercise caution and change their driving behaviour to take into account the adverse conditions by slowing down and taking extra care at junctions and roundabouts. Stopping distances will be greatly increased so motorists are advised to reduce their speed and allow plenty of room between vehicles.

Katy Jenkins at the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia says: "We recommend that drivers make sure their vehicle is in good working order before setting off on a journey. For example, check tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure. Preparing for the journey is also important so drivers should make sure all windows, mirrors and lights are free from ice and snow and they should also make sure they have emergency provisions in the car in case of a breakdown. Once on their way, motorists are urged to drive according to the road and weather conditions. Road handling changes so take extra care when making manoeuvres. It takes longer to stop on icy and wet roads so allow more time to slow down and stay well back from the vehicle in front."

1. Vehicle care:

• Make sure your vehicle has been serviced recently
• Check and replace the anti-freeze in the radiator
• Make sure the battery is fully charged. If the battery is not reliable then replace it. Most batteries last between two and four years
• Lights can get filthy with all the spray in winter. Keep them clean and check all the bulbs on a regular basis
• Check your tyres are correctly inflated to the manufacturers recommended pressure for your vehicle and its load
• Make sure tyres have plenty of tread. Replace tyres if the tread has reached the legal minimum • Keep your windscreen clean. Dirty windows and mirrors can make it hard to see in low winter sun and when visibility is reduced through spray
• Add winter additive to the windscreen washer bottle and keep it topped up • Replace worn wiper blades

2. Prepare for the journey:

• Check the local and national weather forecasts
• Listen to local and national radio stations for up to date travel information
• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from snow and ice
• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive and what route you plan to take
• Make sure you have an ice scraper and/or de-icer, warm clothes, food, drink, a pair of boots, a torch and a fully charged mobile phone in case you break down
• Also carry sunglasses in the glove box to help you see in low winter sun
• In snowy conditions carry a spade

3. When driving in winter conditions:

• Motorists should keep well back from the vehicle in front
• Slow down and allow extra time to carry out manoeuvres
• If steering becomes unresponsive it may mean water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
• Rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen, so motorists should reduce their speed and clearly indicate at roundabouts and junctions

Road Safety