Tag: road safety

Stay safe around water and on the road this bank holiday weekend, RoSPA warns

With the UK set for scorching sunshine this upcoming bank holiday and people heading off for the long weekend, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has warned people to stay safe around water and on the road.

The reminder comes as three young people have died this week in the UK’s canals and multiple road collisions have taken place on its roads.

Keeping safe around water

Carlene McAvoy, Leisure Safety Manager at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “While the riverside may seem like a natural beauty spot, we do unfortunately see around 70 people a year drown in UK rivers. What’s more, data shows us that almost half of people who drown in the UK have no intention of being in the water at all.

“Open waters pose a risk all year round, though in winter we see more slippery riverbanks, icier paths and freezing cold waters which are often less than 15 degrees. And with that, comes the risk of cold water shock. 

“Cold water shock is often a precursor to drowning and causes the blood vessels in the skin to close. This then increases blood pressure and makes the heart work much harder and can overpower even the strongest of swimmers.

“The cold water can also cause an involuntary gasp for breath and cause your breathing rate to increase dramatically. In this scenario, the chances of inhaling water into the lungs increases – and sadly, even a small amount of water is enough to take an adult’s life.”

Staying safe on the road

Rebecca Guy, Road Safety Manager at RoSPA, said: “Bank holiday weekends are a fantastic opportunity for people to catch up with their loved ones and enjoy some time away from home. But for some families, this turns into tragedy on our roads.

“Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, we urge all drivers to make a few basic vehicle checks that could end up saving their life, and to take an ample supply of food and drink should they get stuck on the motorway for a long time.”

“We advise people do a ‘POWDER check’ before they set off, which includes petrol or other fuel, oil, water, damage, electrics, and rubber (tyres). 

Fuel

Before setting out, check your fuel or charge levels and make sure you have enough to get to your destination.

Engine oil

Use your dipstick to check oil regularly and before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual.

Water or screenwash

To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen. Check all fluid levels, including coolant.

Vehicle damage

Look out for any damage to your vehicle such as broken mirrors.

Electrics including lights

If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself and your family at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT. If a bulb has failed, change it at the first opportunity.

Rubber/tyres

Before setting off on a long journey, check your tyre pressures are suitable for the load and the condition of your tyres, including the spare.

Look out for cuts or wear and make sure that you change your tyres at 3mm because while tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit., changing them ahead of that point is always good practice. Tyres under 3mm of tread will not perform as well in the wet.

Finally, before every journey, ensure that you are fit to drive. Make sure that you are well-rested, are feeling calm and are well. If you are taking any medication, read the leaflet and if you experience any side effects that could affect your ability to drive safely.

Earlier this week Karen McDonnell, Head of RoSPA Scotland, commented on the latest release of provisional road casualty statistics: 

“RoSPA recognise that the Key Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2022 present total casualty figures that are the third lowest since records began, indeed since 2000, the number of people killed on Scotland’s roads had decreased by 47%. However, there are 33 more families and communities with empty seats at their tables here in 2022.

“Whilst in compared to 2021, pedal cyclist casualties fell by 7%, pedestrian casualties increased by 17%, car casualties increased by 9% and motorcyclists by 2%.

“Scotland’s roads are a shared space, road users with greater power have greater responsibility, people walking, people cycling and people on motorcycles are vulnerable.

“Through the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance, RoSPA will continue to be part of the National Conversation about Road Safety from a Driving and Riding for work perspective.

“Encouraging over 600 member organisations and their drivers and riders to take ownership of road safety and manage driving risk as they would any other risk to their organisation towards the vision of Scotland having the best road safety performance in the world by 2030.”

Cycling Scotland launches new Leave Space for a Life campaign

Most drivers admit driving too close is a risk to life

Give Cycle Space

97% of drivers agree that people who drive too closely to people cycling are putting lives at risk – however over a third admit that they don’t think of someone cycling as a person, being more focused on getting past and getting on with their journey.

These are the findings from a new study of over 500 drivers commissioned by Scotland’s national cycling charity – Cycling Scotland – to mark the launch of its annual nationwide campaign (Thursday 4 May).

On average, four people cycling per week in Scotland suffer serious, potentially life-changing, injuries from a vehicle collision – and close passes can be a daily experience for people cycling.

The research also found that:

  • 8/10 drivers worry they could seriously injure someone cycling if they don’t give them enough space.
  • 96% of drivers acknowledged that a vehicle getting too close would be frightening for someone cycling.
  • 83% confessed to feeling frustration when trying to pass people on bikes.
  • 30% of drivers didn’t agree that people cycling have equal rights on the roads as drivers.

Supported by Police Scotland, Cycling Scotland’s annual ‘Give Cycle Space’ campaign aims to reduce close pass incidents and make Scotland’s roads safer for people cycling, by raising awareness of the legal passing distance and the responsibility of drivers to safely overtake.

Drivers in Scotland face a £100 fine or conviction, and penalty points on their licence for passing within 1.5m of people cycling when overtaking, and a conviction for a more serious offence. However, findings from this study show that a quarter of drivers (23%) are unaware that driving closer than 1.5 metres is an offence that could result in a charge of careless or dangerous driving.

For 2023, the ‘Give Cycle Space’ campaign message is ‘Leave Space for a Life’. Visuals of people cycling from a driver’s viewpoint humanise the person on the bike, with the television ad showing footage of the friends, family and loved ones of the person cycling. A dangerous overtake shows the risk that drivers take when they don’t give the required passing distance stated in the Highway Code of at least 1.5 metres.

Cycling Scotland’s campaign – which runs on television, radio, online and on buses until 19 June – is funded by Transport Scotland.

Staff photos

Cycling Scotland Chief Executive Keith Irving said:“Every week in Scotland, at least four people cycling suffer serious, potentially life-changing injuries, usually from a crash with a vehicle. To make cycling safer and support more people to travel by bike, we need a network of dedicated cycle lanes, police enforcement and education on reducing road danger.

“Our campaign highlights that drivers need to give at least 1.5 metres of space when passing someone on a bike. Together with the police, we’re raising awareness of the risks of careless driving.

“More people are taking up cycling in Scotland and even more people need to cycle more journeys for our country to reach net zero. We must not accept a corresponding rise in serious injuries and deaths.

“Please remember to drive safely around people on bikes. Leave space for a life.”

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing, said: “Every driver has a responsibility to safely overtake cyclists and understand how their actions can impact the life of that person riding a bike.

“As we approach the summer months, there will be more people using Scotland’s roads. All road users should take care, plan their journey and be aware of cyclists who are more vulnerable.”

“Over the summer, Police Scotland will conduct Operation Close Pass in locations across Scotland to improve road safety.

“Enforcement is key to preventing road danger and dashcam and helmet cam footage can provide vital evidence to support this. Introduction of a dashcam portal, now in use throughout England and Wales, is critical to allow people to report dangerous driving behaviour and keep everyone safer on our roads.”

Shgufta Anwar, Founder of Glasgow-based charity, Women on Wheels added: “I experience so much joy from cycling, but being closely overtaken is an all too familiar occurrence.

“My worst experience was when out cycling with my then primary school aged children, when a car came extremely close to my daughter and revved the engine, frightening her and making her almost fall in front of the car. Fortunately, she regained her balance, but it was a really scary experience for us all and she could have been seriously injured.

“As a person who cycles and drives, I think about both when I make choices on the road. Scotland’s roads would be a lot safer if all drivers had this perspective – especially if they knew how frightening it was when a car passes too closely.”

More information about the Give Cycle Space campaign can be found at:

www.cycling.scot/give-cycle-space.

Campaign reminds tourists to drive on the left

A campaign by Road Safety Scotland* and Police Scotland, in partnership with the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), goes live today reminding overseas tourists to Drive on the Left when visiting Scotland.

The campaign was launched at Road Safety Scotland’s Annual Seminar by Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth, who was joined by Superintendent Stewart Mackie from Police Scotland, Margaret Spiers from Arnold Clark and Bruce Arell from Enterprise Holdings.

Figures from Police Scotland show inexperience of driving on the left is among the most common contributory factors for fatalities involving foreign drivers in Scotland1, with the five most common contributory factors being:

  • Inexperience of driving on the left
  • Failed to look properly
  • Poor turn or manoeuvre
  • Careless, reckless or in a hurry
  • Distraction outside vehicle

The new Drive on the Left campaign sets out to help drivers stay safe as they embark on their journey to Scotland, by sharing useful information about Scotland’s roads, which often differ from other countries, including how to navigate singe-track roads and passing places.

Drivers are urged to stay alert and be well rested to avoid switching to autopilot, which can easily happen when the roads are quiet or a driver is tired, and can cause someone to enter a roundabout the wrong way or turn onto the wrong side of the road at a junction.

Tourists are also reminded that weather conditions can change quickly in Scotland, making it even more challenging to navigate long and twisty roads.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said:”We want all visitors to Scotland to return safely from their travels. This campaign aims to raise awareness and remind people to drive on the left at all times, which is particularly important after they’ve taken a break or when the roads are quieter.

“Scotland’s roads can be unfamiliar to visitors and that often demands more concentration. It’s easy to switch to autopilot, particularly if you are distracted, tired or driving in bad weather.

“With the recent number of devastating fatalities on the A9, it’s especially important we reach all drivers travelling on Scotland’s roads this summer. Make sure you plan ahead, take regular breaks and know the rules of the road.”

Drive on the Left wristbands and stickers will be distributed through BVRLA to tourists when they collect a hire car, along with a Driving in Scotland information leaflet, which offers practical advice about driving on single-track roads, looking both ways at junctions, speed limits, planning your journey and taking regular rest stops to avoid fatigue. The wristband is available in 8 different languages.

Advice for drivers will also be shared on the Road Safety Scotland social media channels through digital assets and video content.

Louise Blakelock, head of road policing at Police Scotland, said: “Any serious collision on our roads is absolutely devastating and, while it may seem like a simple message, it’s crucial to remind people of the differences of driving in Scotland and how to drive safely when they’re visiting our beautiful country.

“We fully support this campaign and hope it helps to reduce the number of collisions caused by driving on the wrong side of the road.”

Amanda Brandon, Director of Member Engagement at BVRLA said: “This is an important road safety initiative and we are delighted to see so many of our members getting behind it.

“A significant portion of vehicle hires annually are for people needing a car while away from home. Our members are ideally placed to promote the campaign to help keep visitors safe as they set off on Scotland’s roads.

“We are expecting vehicle hire for oversees drivers to increase again this year, so it’s great to see this campaign go live now ahead of the peak tourist season.”

The campaign is supported by partner organisations including VisitScotland, helping to ensure as many overseas drivers as possible are reminded to drive on the left while visiting Scotland.

For more details and for advice about driving in Scotland, visit bit.ly/DriveOnTheLeft23 or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.

Fatigue wake-up call for Scotland’s drivers

Road safety campaign highlights the dangers of driving tired

A powerful campaign by The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland goes live today, reminding drivers about the dangers of driver fatigue.

It follows an increase in serious incidents on the A9 trunk road in 2022, with 12 fatal collisions and 18 fatalities reported. Of this total, 13 deaths occurred on the Perth to Inverness section of the road during the second half of the year1.

Fatigue is a contributory factor in collisions which kill or seriously injure around 50 people every year in Scotland2 and as many as 25 per cent of all fatal and serious incidents on the A9 between Perth to Inverness3.  

Many of the counter measures used by drivers to combat tiredness (opening a window, turning up the radio or pinching themselves) have been shown to be ineffective. Instead, the campaign urges driver to take regular breaks, stop to rest and have a coffee, and plan ahead to avoid driving tired.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth, said: “Driver fatigue is a serious issue that causes too many serious and fatal road collisions each year. Drivers often experience early signs of feeling tired such as yawning, eyes drooping and head-nodding, and should stop for a rest as soon as it’s safe to do so.

“We’re reminding people to plan their journeys well in advance, ensure they are well-rested before setting out and take regular breaks. It’s simple yet powerful advice which can help save lives on Scotland’s roads.”

Sleep-related collisions are around 50 per cent more likely to result in death or serious injury as they tend to be high-speed impacts.

Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland and a member of the A9 Safety Group, said: “Sadly we have seen a rise in serious and fatal collisions on the A9 trunk road in the last year and many of them involve an element of driver fatigue – something that can be prevented. A tired driver is a danger not only to themselves but to everyone on the road.

“If you feel tired while behind the wheel, opening your window or turning up the music isn’t enough. Stop for a rest and a coffee before you get back on the road to help keep you and others safe.”

A two second micro-sleep at 30 mph can result in complete transition from one lane to the next and you will be unable to notice or react to a child stepping out on the road5.

The new multi-media marketing campaign will run on multiple channels including TV, digital, outdoor, radio, PR and social media.

The thought-provoking advertising, features a striking close-up of a tired driver’s eye, with the road ahead reflected in it. After a long blink, the road reappears in the eye, however the car drifts towards the centre of the road as the eye droops further and finally remains closed, resulting in a head-on collision with another car and devastating consequences.

Watch the ad here: https://youtu.be/r-KtjJlrQHk

For more information visit roadsafety.scot/fatigue or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.

Save our seatbelts from the sunset clause, says RoSPA

  • Today marks the 40th anniversary of the mandatory seatbelt law which was spearheaded by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)
  • Research shows that a quarter of people in vehicles who died in road accidents in 2021 were not wearing a seatbelt
  • The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022 threatens vital lifesaving legislation and looks to sunset them before December 31 this year.

On the fortieth anniversary of mandatory seatbelt usage, a leading accident prevention charity has issued a rally cry to Government to save seatbelt laws from being lost or watered down as part of the the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), that spearheaded the campaign for mandatory seatbelt use over forty years ago, warns that thousands of lives are at risk if the Bill goes ahead.

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022 will see thousands of laws sunset by the end of this year, including lifesaving seatbelt legislation. Although seatbelt usage features in the Road Safety Act, the Bill is set to make critical information on who, where and when people should wear seatbelts unclear.

Statistics show that almost a quarter of people in a vehicle killed in a road collision in 2021 were not wearing a seatbelt. While the number of people killed on Britain’s roads has plateaued, the proportion of car occupants killed while not wearing a seatbelt has spiked sharply, reaching the highest level since records began.

Seatbelts made the news last month when Rishi Sunak was caught on video travelling in a moving vehicle while not wearing a seatbelt and was subsequently issued a fixed penalty notice.

Nathan Davies, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said: “Wearing a seatbelt is not just ‘common sense’. Making seatbelts a legal requirement changed behaviour, and drove up usage by 55 per cent almost immediately.

“But recent Department for Transport data shows us that compliance is the lowest it has ever been since the law was introduced, and that means that people still need laws which reinforce the importance for them and the other occupants of vehicles. By removing seatbelt laws, we expect usage to fall, and fatalities will then inevitably increase.

“Throwing vital seatbelt laws in the air at a time they are most needed will set the stage for thousands of the public being killed and injured on the road, leaving behind loved ones, friends and family. We must not throw away the progress made over last 40 years of mandatory seatbelt usage and urge the Government to tackle these vital laws with the time, respect and attention they deserve.”

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022 will have a second reading in the Lords on the 6 February.

RoSPA urges caution during cold snap

Drive with caution to protect your life and loved ones, says leading accident prevention charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

  • The UK is bracing itself for a gust of wintery weather that could lead to spike in fatal accidents
  • Drive safely to prevent accidents and save lives, says RoSPA – here’s how.

Motorists across the country are urged to drive with caution to avoid accidents as a gust of wintery conditions is set to hit the area at the start of next week. A Met office yellow warning is in place for many parts of the UK, as we expect to see sleet, rain and snow.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), that has worked for more than 100 years to help people recognise and reduce their risk of accidents, at home, on the road, at work and in leisure, say that poor visibility, water-logged roads and slippery snow can all heighten the risk of a tragic car crash.

Advising on how to keep safe during the upcoming wintery snap, RoSPA says at this time of year, adapting our driving style is key.

Becky Guy, Road Safety Manager at RoSPA, said: “Adverse weather conditions and longer, darker evenings make winter a particularly hazardous time to drive, and as we expect to see next week, short bursts of extreme weather are not uncommon here in the UK. 

“These wintry conditions can decrease visibility, increase stopping distances and the risk of skidding, which can all increase the risk of being involved in a crash. If you can, avoid driving in such weather, and if you are expected to drive for work, do ask your employer about whether it has a winter driving policy.

“Things to check before you set off include that all of your lights are working and clean, your tyres are inflated correctly and have at least 3mm of tread, you have enough fuel or charge in the car for unforeseen events and a way of contacting someone in an emergency. Finally, if in doubt and you are able to, postpone your trip until conditions improve.”

Keeping safe in sleet, hail and snow

To help keep drivers safe, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has shared its top winter driving tips to help keep drivers and riders safe.

Before your journey

  • Plan your journey, checking the traffic news and allowing extra time
  • If it has been snowing, be sure to remove snow from the top of your car so that it does not slide down and obstruct your view when driving
  • Check fuel or charge levels before you set off to allow for unexpected delays
  • If you drive an automatic car, check the handbook to see if there’s a winter driving mode setting
  • Assess whether your journey is essential, and speak to your employer about whether they have a winter driving policy

Driving on winter roads

  • Pull off in second gear, going gently on the clutch to avoid wheel-spin
  • Leave plenty of room between you and other road users, applying your brakes gradually and in good time
  • When driving uphill, check the road is clear and try to avoid stopping part way up to prevent you from rolling backwards
  • When driving downhill, keep it slow and use a low gear
  • Remember that braking distance can increase up to double in wet weather and by 10 times in icy weather

UK’s worsening pothole problem a serious safety risk to cyclists

TODAY IS NATIONAL POTHOLE DAY – BUT THEN, EVERY DAY IS POTHOLE DAY!

Cyclists are being warned about the worsening condition of roads across the UK – with data showing 21% of cyclists are involved in an accident because of a pothole.* 

Experts from leading bicycle insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk warn that this figure will only increase unless the government tackles the worsening condition of UK roads.

With a long winter of bad weather ahead, cyclists will run an increased risk of accident and injury by riding over potholes if UK roads are not properly maintained.

Damaged road surfaces represent a disproportionate risk to cyclists due to the lack of protection and the proximity of motor vehicles.

A picture containing cake, chocolate, decoratedDescription automatically generated

 Credit: Shutterstock

Spending on road maintenance has almost halved since the financial crisis just over a decade ago, and the recent cost-of-living crisis has pushed potholes further down the priority list for governments and local councils.

Even temporary pothole fixes – which involve filling the hole with a form of asphalt treatment – have decreased by almost half in some counties. 

There are also claims from members of the public that councils are not properly inspecting potholes that have been reported online. 

Several county councils have admitted that filling in potholes is no longer a priority as a result of the rising cost of living, with less funding for UK highways. 

With the Met Office issuing weather warnings for the coming weeks, the number of potholes on UK roads is set to increase.

A combination of bad weather and lack of funding has left the UK network at crisis point with experts predicting the pothole problem may soon get out of hand. 

Quotezone.co.uk are calling for councils and the government to urgently act on what is a UK-wide problem for the benefit of all road users but particularly cyclists as they are the most affected by damaged road surfaces.

Data shows that the worst pothole-affected area in the UK by far is Northumberland, with over 180,000 potholes reported over four years, followed by Cornwall and Kirklees in West Yorkshire. 

Newcastle, Liverpool and Suffolk also have some of the worst potholed roads in the UK as well as Fife and Glasgow in Scotland, and Newry, Mourne & Down joined by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon in Northern Ireland. 

Lee Evans , bicycle insurance comparison expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Many of us who cycle in the UK have been shocked at the growing danger caused by roads strewn with potholes, and unfortunately the problem does not seem to be going away.

“21% of cyclists experiencing pothole-related accidents is a worrying number because any accident for a cyclist, can be very serious. 

“With a winter of extreme weather predicted in the coming weeks and with spending on road maintenance on the decline, we could expect to see an increase in pothole-related cycling injuries.  We’d encourage local authorities and the government to act now on fixing the UK’s pothole problem to help keep cyclists and all other road users safe.”

Quotezone.co.uk helps thousands of road users each year find savings on everyday household bills and essentials plus niche items such as cycling insurance, bicycle insurance, and road bike insurance

Motorists warned over stopping distances in the wet


Drivers have been warned that stopping distances will be at least double during the wettest months of the year posing a serious threat to all road users.

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have urged motorists to follow six simple steps when driving in wet conditions to reduce the risk of accidents from occurring.

October to January are typically the wettest months in the UK and motorists should be aware that the highway code advises drivers to drive according to the road conditions as tyres will have less traction in wet conditions.

Image credit: Pexels

Drivers can more easily feel the lack of grip in the ice and snow of winter but in the wettest autumn months modern car tyres will grip the road effectively in the wet until they lose grip under hard braking often taking drivers by surprise.

Stopping distances are worked out by adding the thinking distance and the braking distance, which can vary depending on the road conditions and the condition of the car.

At 60mph total stopping distance is around 75 metres but in the wet this doubles to 150m – approximately the height of the Blackpool Tower.

Checking parts of the vehicle such as the condition of the brakes and tyres can help reduce stopping distances while managing the space to the car in front will make sure drivers have room to stop safely in the wet.

A spokesperson from LeaseCar.uk said: “It’s important for drivers to be aware that stopping distances will at least double in the wet.

“As we enter the wettest months in the UK it’s vital that motorists manage their speed and distance to the car in front to prevent any serious accidents.

“Motorists only need to visualise the height of the Blackpool Tower to better understand the distance they will need to safely stop their vehicle during the wettest months.

“Drivers should regularly check the condition of their vehicle paying particular attention to the brakes and depth of tyre tread as stopping distances will increase significantly in the wet if either are in poor condition.”

Here are the six simple measures drivers should take to reduce the risk of having an accident in the wet as recommended by LeaseCar.uk:

  1. Monitor tyre tread

Not only do stopping distances double in the wet, but threadbare tyres will grip the road even less meaning even greater distances before drivers can safely stop their vehicles. Tyre tread can easily harden in cold weather which can lead to further loss of control.

  1. Regularly check brake condition

If you’re noticing a delay in the car slowing after pressing the brake pedal there’s a high chance that the car has worn brake pads or the brakes have developed a fault. In the wet it’s crucial that the brakes work as they should otherwise already large stopping distances increase further.

  1. Manage the distance to the car in front

 
One good guide to follow is the two-second rule in the dry which involves picking a stationary object by the side of the road and counting the seconds between the car in front passing the object and you passing it. In the dry two seconds is the minimum time recommended. In the wet this increases to four seconds. If you are within four seconds in the wet, then give yourself more space to brake safely.

  1. Cautious driving

Wet conditions means less grip on the road. Driving at slower speeds and braking in a controlled way will help keep the car balanced in the wet and you in control. It’s also best to not press too hard on the accelerator to prevent the likelihood of the car skidding and the wheels from spinning on the wet tarmac.

  1. Check headlights are working

One of the most important checks to make is ensuring the headlights are in full working order. During the darker months having faulty lights can make it more difficult to calculate a safe stopping distance to the car in front.

  1. Take regular breaks

With the weather getting darker earlier during the autumnal months driving requires greater levels of concentration and can be more draining. It’s important to regularly rest at services to keep energised while driving as tiredness can increase the chances of an accident due to delayed reaction times.

Driving in icy conditions

ADVICE FROM POLICE SCOTLAND

Are you prepared for driving as the weather gets colder? As the temperature falls, the roads will become icy so please think ahead before you travel anywhere:

🚗 Only drive if the journey is absolutely necessary and if so, make sure your car is completely defrosted. This includes windows and screen wash!

🕐Leave plenty of time for the journey. The traffic will be slower with people taking precautions whilst driving. No journey is worth the risk of driving fast in the ice and snow.

😎 The glare from the low-lying sun can be blinding during winter, so please take extra due care and attention and have some sunglasses available to help with the glare.

👍 Be considerate of all road users – remember everyone is just trying to get from A-B safely.

You can find more advice on driving in adverse weather conditions here 👇

https://www.gov.uk/…/driving-in-adverse-weather…

Driving home for Christmas – Winter car tips for motorists

Brits are being urged to prepare for their Christmas drive home, with experts advising how motorists can travel safely this December.

Road safety experts at Road Angel have offered six tips for those driving home this Christmas to help them travel safely and keep their cars prepared for winter conditions.

Winter driving requires extra care and caution at all times because of potentially adverse conditions so it’s important to get vehicles ready for the cold and plan out a route home in advance.

Although it may ruin Christmas day plans, the Highway Code instructs motorists to stay safe and only drive in icy or snowy conditions if the journey is essential.

For those travelling in adverse conditions, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast beforehand and pack an emergency breakdown kit just in case.

Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel said: “Christmas is a time when lots of us are making long car journeys to get back and see our loved ones yet the roads at this time of year can be treacherous.

“We want to make sure everyone gets to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas celebration and there are several things drivers can do before setting off to make sure their journey goes as smoothly as possible.

“Planning a route out in advance and travelling early on a Saturday morning will help you get home for Christmas as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast and prepare an emergency breakdown kit, just in case.

“No one wants to break down at the best of times, never mind on Christmas Day – that’s why it’s important to prepare your car for the cold and drive safely with care and caution at all times – you’ll be sure to home for a wonderful Christmas time spent with loved ones.”

Driving home for Christmas – Road Angel’s winter car tips for motorists:

  1. Plan route in advance

One of the most important things you can do before travelling in winter is to plan the route home in advance. Although drivers may think they know where they’re going, it’s always best to double check directions to avoid driving around unknown roads in the dark and harsh weather. It’s also a good idea to plan route alternatives in case the original is not accessible because of the harsh weather.

  1. Try to avoid traffic

Remember that lots of other households will be driving home for Christmas, so it’s best to leave plenty of time in advance to avoid getting stuck in traffic and delays to Christmas parties and gatherings. If possible avoid travelling at rush-hour to steer away from the commuter traffic – the best time of the week to drive is early morning or evening on a Saturday.

  1. Get the car ready for the cold

Get the car ready for the cold weather of winter by checking the vehicle over before making long distances when visiting loved ones this Christmas. Check the tyre pressure, heating and oil, as well as making sure that the car battery doesn’t stall by turning on the car before setting off, and most importantly, ensure that all the bulbs on the car are working fully.

  1. Check the weather forecast

The weather has a massive impact on how motorists should drive over wintertime. Check the forecast before setting off to avoid driving in any adverse conditions – and be prepared to cancel or amend plans if the weather is too dangerous to drive in. The Highway Code says drivers should not travel in snowy and icy conditions unless the journey is essential, and before setting off drivers MUST be able to see. Clear all snow and ice from all of the windows and keep them demisted, ensure mirrors are clear, the number plate is visible and lights are fully functioning.

  1. Pack an emergency breakdown kit

Breaking down in the winter can be very dangerous, because of the extreme weather and darkness. It’s a good idea to pack an emergency breakdown kit in the car just in case any accidents happen. Pack a foil blanket, spare clothes and shoes to keep warm. Food, water and a phone charger are also good essentials to pack. A torch, jump leads, shovel and de-icer are again good emergency breakdown kit ideas for winter.

  1. Driving safely

There are also several driving tips motorists can follow to get back home safely for Christmas. The Highway Code recommends to avoid overtaking and keep further back from the car ahead as stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer in adverse conditions. When it’s icy on the roads drivers should use a high gear and slow speed, accelerating and braking gently and drive especially slow around bends when it’s much more likely to lose control of the car. Other tips include driving with care and caution at all times, and keeping updated on the latest travel and weather news.

The Christmas driving tips are just one of several road safety initiatives the team at Road Angel are currently working on.

For more information please visit https://www.roadangelgroup.com/blogs/news.