2009 Christmas Break Road Safety Message (part 1)

(1) Check your vehicle:

• Has been maintained/serviced and you have a good battery. Your battery has to work much harder in the winter (working lights and wipers, for example) and can fail completely with hardly any warning.
• Tyres have a good tread depth and are inflated correctly (including the spare.
• Cooling system contains antifreeze at the correct strength.
• Windscreen wipers and washers are working properly.
• Lights are clean and working.

(2) Check the weather conditions:

• Look at local and national TV and Radio for travel and weather information.
• See that all your vehicle windows and mirrors are clear from mist, frost and snow. Snow and ice reduce what you can see, and can be dangerous to other road users as it falls off your vehicle.

(3) In extreme weather conditions such as falling snow:

• Ask yourself is my journey essential?
• Check to see if you have a full tank of fuel.
• Let someone know your destination and your expected time of arrival.
• Take a mobile phone if you have one, but remember you could break down in a "dead area", so take warm clothing, hot drinks, food, boots, a torch and shovel as well - it could be a long walk to a phone.

(4) If you are out on the roads in poor conditions:

• Use the main roads which have been salted as much as possible. Map of routes that Councils salt are normally available on their websites.
• Allow extra time for your journey.
• Avoid the rush hour to help reduce congestion.

(5) Generally, when driving in wintry weather:

• Drive according to the conditions - on treated and untreated roads.
• Reduce speed in poor visibility, where there is snow, or if ice may have formed.
• Use the highest gear possible to help keep control of the vehicle and avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
• Maintain larger safer stopping distances - two seconds between vehicles is for good conditions! A wet road surface means you'll take twice as long to stop, so you need to be at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front.
• Use dipped headlights in poor visibility and snow, so others can see you!
• Use rear fog lights in poor visibility but remember to switch them off when conditions improve.
• Watch out for other road users, including motorbikes, pushbikes, pedestrians and children, who may also be having difficulties in the conditions.

click here to see part 2
 

Posted by Stevie Kidd on 22 December 2009 in : Road Safety

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