Warning to road users as winter weather hits

Dark mornings, dark nights and freezing weather conditions can make driving conditions hazardous. During the winter months the number of road traffic collisions attended by Humberside Fire and Rescue Service increases and road users are urged to take extra care and take the weather conditions in to account before making a journey.

Louise Marritt, Road Safety team leader at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Winter weather can make the roads hazardous and as temperatures start to fall the risk of having a collision due to ice and snow increases. Some small preparations before setting out could save you from problems on the road.

“It may sound obvious but make sure you de-ice your windows fully before starting off and check your car has antifreeze and lots of screen wash. Give yourself a bit of extra time for your journey and, in ice and snow, drive more slowly than usual keeping your distance from the vehicle in front, if they brake sharply you will have more time to react,” Louise added.

Here are a few tips to help you be prepared for bad weather

Check your local weather forecast before you travel and plan your journey accordingly

Check all exterior lights are working correctly

Check there is sufficient tread on your tyres - worn tyres won’t hold the road well in wet conditions

Make sure your windscreen wipers are in good working order and your screen wash is full

Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking or acceleration

Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, if you start to skid, ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly.

Avoid overtaking (unless absolutely necessary)

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