Drivers warned - don’t get caught out by bad weather
15/12/2009 12:00:00
The Surrey Road Safety Partnership is urging drivers to take extra care on the county’s busy road network this winter by watching their speed and preparing for the colder weather.
Winter weather in the UK can be unpredictable, bringing with it difficult driving conditions on the roads. Ice and snow can catch drivers off-guard and the hazardous mix of darker mornings, longer evenings, rain and fog puts motorists at even greater risk.
During the winter months, thinking ahead and planning your journey is key to staying safe on the roads. Good vehicle maintenance is essential and the Road Safety Partnership recommends that drivers keep and regularly maintain the following items in their vehicles:
• De-icing equipment
• Hazard warning triangle
• Spare wheel (with tyre at correct pressure and tread)
• First aid kit (in good order)
• A (working) torch
• Warm blanket or coat
• Tow rope
• Spare bulbs
• A shovel
• Sensible walking shoes
Head of Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit, Chief Inspector Dave Mason, said:
“Winter weather brings with it dangers for road users whether they are drivers, motorcyclists or pedal cyclists. Icy roads offer little traction for conventional tyres so it is imperative that drivers ensure a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across three quarters of the width of the tyre for the best grip and to comply with the law.
"Road users need to change the way they drive in these conditions, which includes reducing speed, giving yourself longer travelling times for your journey and making sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey, taking into account possible delays. Ensure the inside as well as the outside of your windows are cleared before you embark on your journey otherwise you will be breaking the law and could be fined. Braking distances can at least treble in certain conditions so be aware and drive safely.”
The Drive SMART campaign, launched in September by Surrey County Council and Surrey Police, encourages drivers to be more considerate and change driving behaviours that negatively affect the lives of other road users or local residents. These include tailgating, bad or inconsiderate parking, using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel, speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt and generally thoughtless or reckless driving, all of which could make driving even more hazardous in bad weather.
For news about traffic conditions that may affect your journey, you can log on to the Traffic Information page of the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk, listen to DAB digital ‘Traffic Radio’ and other local radio stations for updates or call the Highways Agency’s information line on 08457 504030.
More tips for staying safe on the roads this winter can be found at www.rospa.com/RoadSafety
Drive SMART is a year-long campaign by Surrey County Council and Surrey Police to tackle the problem of anti-social driving. One of the first initiatives by Dr Andrew Povey, the newly elected Leader of Surrey County Council, was to pledge £1million to set up the campaign after the issue was regularly identified as a concern by residents to local councillors.
Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.