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 explains, “There are lots of things you can do to make your journey less stressful. Simple steps, from taking an emergency kit with you, checking your route for delays before you set out, to taking an alternative route if you need to, can make your journey a great deal easier.”
“When you are on the road, remember to pay attention to the traffic, weather and road conditions. Be ready to slow down and take extra care if you need to, especially on bends and exposed roads”
“Severe weather is not just about snow and ice. It includes strong winds and floods too. So, make sure you listen out for weather warnings and be prepared to change or delay your journey, depending on the advice being given. Remember to ask yourself, ‘is my journey really essential?’”
To ensure you are ready for winter, carry out the following checks regularly and especially before setting off on a long journey;
• Have your vehicle serviced
• Check and replace the anti-freeze in the radiator and top up your screen wash
• If your battery is not reliable – replace it. Most batteries last between two to four years
• Lights can get dirty with all the spray from the roads at this time of year. Keep them clean and check the bulbs often
• Check your tyres are correctly inflated to the manufacturers recommended pressure for your vehicle and its load
• Keep your windscreen, windows and mirrors clean. Dirty windows and mirrors can make it hard to see in the low winter sun, extra spray, ice or rain. Replace worn wiper blades
• Before setting off, make sure all of your windows and mirrors are clear of mist, ice and snow, both inside and out.
We would also suggest that you carry an emergency kit in the boot of your car, in case of a breakdown. The items we suggest are as follows;
• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch
• Warm clothes and a blanket
• A pair of boots
• First-aid kit
• A set of battery jump leads
• A shovel
• Food and a warm drink in a flask
• A pair of sunglasses to protect you from the glare of the low winter sun
• Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in case a roadside phone is unavailable
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