Protection of Life, Winter Driving
Over the last five years there have been around three hundred crashes on, frost, ice or snow affected roads, with a fifth of those involved, either being killed or seriously injured.
Remember take care around winter maintenance vehicles
All relevant authorities aim to reduce delays and accidents during wintry weather conditions by pre-treating clearing motorways and trunk roads and other scheduled roads, to prevent the formation of ice and snow, and by clearing snow from carriageways and hard shoulders as soon as conditions permit.
Salting and snow ploughing
- Take care when travelling behind winter service vehicles.
- Salting vehicles travel at speeds of up to 40 mph spreading salt across all lanes of the carriageway. Do not attempt to overtake.
- Snow ploughing can throw up irregular amounts of snow that may be a hazard to vehicles. Drivers are advised to maintain a safe distance behind vehicles and not to attempt to overtake.
Protection of Life, Darkness
Have you wondered whether other road users can see you? Every year in Britain, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are killed or seriously injured simply because they could not be seen by drivers.
Pedestrians - Groups of people should wear fluorescent clothes in daylight and reflective clothes in the dark. At night, the look-out in front should carry a white light and the one at the back a red light. People on the outside of large groups should also carry lights and wear reflective clothing.
Cyclists – It can be difficult for drivers to see cyclists. By wearing bright or reflective materials it will be easier for them to see you. Make sure your bicycle is fitted with reflectors!
Motorcyclists should make themselves as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear. You could wear a white or brightly coloured helmet, fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, may also make you more conspicuous.
Please support our communities and help to protect them by obeying and enforcing traffic law and by educating and encouraging road users to take extra care on winter affected roads.
Useful Links
Warwickshire County Road gritting routes
Highways Agency Knowledge Centre
Think! Road Safety Advice
WCC Road Safety Advice