Police issue advice about winter driving after six cars get smashed up

After yesterday's chaos on the A180 here is a timely reminder to all drivers of the dangers of driving in the winter and especially fog.

The first key thing in winter is to SLOW DOWN. Most of the people involved in the recent collisions were travelling too fast for the road conditions. Just because the dual carriageway is a 70MPH limit it does not mean that it’s appropriate to drive at 70MPH all the time.

Obviously when there is snow or ice on the road it’s impossible to stay on the road at excessive speeds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fog creates a very different problem, when visibility is poor it is imperative, of course, to slow down but also to use dipped fog lights.

You can help yourself get ready for driving in winter. Follow the tips below:

Plan ahead even for the daily commute.

Make sure you have plenty of fuel in the tank –if you are held up in delays or tailbacks and have to turn off your engine to save fuel could leave you in danger of hypothermia.

Make sure you have a provisions box. This should include: a torch; a blanket and warm clothes; food and drink; first-aid kit; spade; warning triangle; and high-visibility vest.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Always take a well-charged phone in case of emergencies, but NEVER be tempted to use it when driving.

Make sure there is anti-freeze in your radiator and windscreen washer bottle. Keeping an ice-scraper and de-icer in your vehicle at all times in winter.

Regularly check tyres to ensure they’re in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 3mm to be safe in the wet.

Make sure your vehicle is well-maintained through an up-to-date MOT, regular service, and regular walk-round checks by you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We are not going to preach to people so if you want more information about driving in winter go to the Brake website [HERE]

An ode to the A180 (to the tune of the Twelve Days of Christmas!)..

12 people injured

11 hours of roads closures

10 tonnes of coal

9 miles of tailbacks

8 hours of insurance calls!

7 missed appointments

6 cars smashed up in

5 separate crashes

4 miles of paperwork!

3 angry drivers

2 roads closures

And a lorry turned up on-on-on its side!