Scotland is no stranger to severe weather. But we know it can be worse in winter.
We have advice on how to prepare for: – Snow and ice – Rain and flooding – Storms
Know how to stay safe:
Ready Scotland: Prepared for Winter?
Tag: winter weather
ROSPA: Drive with added caution amid looming cold weather
- The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued urgent guidance to those travelling in cold and snowy weather
- Disruptive conditions are set to hit many areas of the UK
- Road experts warn of increased chance of collisions
With icy temperatures and ‘disruptive’ snow hitting large parts of Britain, and parts of the UK still grappling with flooding, leading road experts The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued some vital road safety advice.
Advising on winter driving, Rebecca Guy, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager for England, said: “Snowy conditions can pose a real challenge for drivers so it’s worth knowing how to prepare yourself so your journey can be as smooth as possible.
“Before you set off, check the weather conditions to ensure you’re not caught out, and don’t forget to wipe off snow from the top and windows of your car. This will avoid snow falling onto your windscreen while driving and impacting your line of sight. In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely, unless you absolutely have to make the journey and driving is the only option.
“It’s also a good idea to leave more time than usual for your journey, and to check your tyres, fluid levels, lights and fuel or charge levels before you set off. If your journey is essential, packing some warm clothing, a fully charged mobile phone, some food and a drink can help you to be prepared if you do break down – and even a pair of sunglasses can stand you in good stead in case the sun comes out and reflects on the road ahead.
“If you can, try and move off in second gear and change to a higher gear as soon as possible once the car is moving. Ensure you accelerate gently and smoothly, using low revs. Ideally, stay in a steady gear and leave as much room in front of you as possible so you can maintain a constant speed – and don’t forget that stopping distance can be increased up to 10 times in snowy weather.”
Other factors to consider if driving in snow or ice:
- Slow down in plenty of time before bends and corners
- Braking on an icy or snow-covered bend is extremely dangerous. The centrifugal force will continue to pull you outwards and the wheels will not grip very well. This could cause your vehicle to spin
- Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. You may need up to 10 times the distance for braking in good conditions
- Visibility will probably be reduced, so use dipped headlights
If you get stuck in snow:
- If you get stuck in snow, revving your engine to try to power out of the rut will just make the rut worse. Instead, move your vehicle slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can
- If this doesn’t work, you may have to ask a friendly passerby for a push or get your shovel out.
Rebecca went on to advise those encountering flood water: “The past few weeks have seen a concerning level of flooding in many areas of the UK. It is essential to have the latest information at hand to avoid roads or pathways that are submerged in water.
“Not only can a flooded car be costly, it can lead to drowning so it is important to never attempt to drive through a waterlogged area, especially If the road has been closed off.
“Before leaving the house, consider whether your vehicle really is in a roadworthy condition for extreme weather, and check its tyres, brakes, lights and fluid levels.
“If your vehicle is not in tip-top condition, you are more likely to break down and get stranded. Therefore, keep an emergency kit in your car, especially if you’re going on a long journey. If this seems unnecessary, take a moment to imagine yourself stranded in your car overnight. ”
If you’re in a flooded area, it is also worth considering the following when nearing an affected road:
- Avoid the deepest water – which is usually near the kerb
- Don’t attempt to cross if the water seems too deep
- If you are not sure of the water’s depth, look for an alternative route
- If you decide to risk it, drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch – this will stop you from stalling
- Be aware of the bow wave from approaching vehicles – operate an informal ‘give way’ with approaching vehicles.
For more information, please visit our Winter Driving Tips page here.
Severe weather could spell trouble for those driving home for Christmas, RoSPA warns
- Weather projected to include rain, sleet, snow and fog
- ‘Troll from Trondheim’ may lead to difficult driving conditions
- 2021 saw 13 people killed, 356 seriously injured and 1,781 slightly injured due to winter weather
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is issuing road safety advice ahead of the potential hazardous weather conditions forecasted for the coming days. With echoes of the Beast from the East, the ‘Troll from Trondheim’ may lead to difficult driving conditions.
In 2021, there were 13 people were killed, 356 seriously injured and 1,781 slightly injured in reported road accidents on Great Britain’s roads when there was snow or frost/ice on the road surface.
Becky Guy, Road Safety Manager, England at RoSPA, said: “The most important thing to remember about driving and riding safely in wintry weather is to be prepared. Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and add enough time for a journey so you are less likely to rush to make up for any delays.
“In extreme conditions, only make a journey if it is absolutely necessary. Don’t drive or ride as normal on snow or ice, but reduce your speed to avoid the chance of skidding. Remember to increase stopping distances massively as you may need up to ten times the normal distance when braking on icy roads.
“Speed limits are the maximum for ideal conditions, so in difficult conditions, they are often too fast, especially on bends and corners.”
RoSPA’s tips for driving in extreme weather conditions can be found at its online Winter Safety Hub and include:
- Check your lights are clean and working, and you may want to carry a blanket, a pair of boots, a shovel, a high-visibility jacket and a mobile phone (although don’t use it when you’re driving) in case you get stuck in the snow
- If you’re on two wheels, ensure that you are wearing the appropriate winter riding gear
- Clear your windows, visor and mirrors completely of snow and ice before you set off (make sure the heater is blowing warm air before setting off – it will keep your windscreen clear)
- Keep the windscreen and windows clean and the washer bottle filled with screen wash to the correct concentration (which may be a stronger concentration during below-freezing temperatures)
- Items to carry in the car include de-icing equipment (keep some in the house or garage too), a first aid kit (in good order) and a working torch
- Avoid harsh braking and acceleration, or sharp steering, particularly on a bend as this could cause your vehicle to spin or skid. To brake on ice and snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use your brakes gently
- If you’re riding a motorcycle, increase the distance to the vehicle in front, check your lights (including brake lights) regularly and use more engine braking and rear brake in wet or slippery conditions
- Visibility will probably be reduced, so use dipped headlights.
There’s snow stopping 21CC Group
- Leading Scottish Event company put their tools to good use by clearing over 34 miles of roads
- Good deed enables 160 local residents to attend Covid vaccine appointments and 200 NHS and care workers to travel safely to work
Scottish based events group, 21CC have put their tools to good use this week by taking matters into their own hands and using their work vehicle and snowplough to clear over 34 miles of road across Kirkliston and North Queensferry.
After posting a message on their local community digital noticeboard, the team spent 14 hours over the course of two days clearing main roads, artery roads and the housing estate roads enabling residents’ safe access from their house to the main roads, so that they could travel to get their flu jabs.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group Ltd said, “After the latest snowfall we quickly realised we could put our vehicles to use, and we decided to create a post on the digital community noticeboard, asking if anyone needed help. In a matter of hours, we had received over 160 messages from residents who needed to get out for their Covid-19 jabs, but were now stuck due to the snow!
“We also received just under 200 messages from NHS and care workers, asking for assistance in clearing their roads so they could get to work, so we got to work immediately in clearing all of the roads where people needed our help.
“We also helped three Scottish Fire & Rescue vehicles by digging them out of the snow and clearing their path so that they could respond to call-outs.”
Lance from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Geoff was a great help to myself as my street was not passable without his assistance. The road is not adopted by City of Edinburgh council for winter operations as such was covered in 150-200mm of snow.
“It took myself and volunteers from the street 4 hours the day previous to clear the snow, something Geoff managed to do in 15 minutes allowing the crewing levels for South Queensferry to be maintained.”
21CC received hundreds of grateful messages following their rescue mission including:
“Thank you for clearing the road at our wee care home. Our residents loved seeing you hard at work!”
“Thank you for doing this Geoff. It makes such a difference”
“You’re doing a wonderful job for the community. Well done.”.
Geoff concludes: “Being in the right place at the right time and being able to make a difference to all these people was so important to us and we’re just glad we could help to make a difference to a few people’s lives. It was also a lot of fun!”
Top tips to keep your cat safe as temperatures plummet
As temperatures drop once again, Cats Protection is urging owners to spare a thought for the welfare of their pet cat.
Plunging temperatures, icy conditions and snowfall present a number of risks for cats, particularly those who like to wander outside.
Following these simple tips can help to keep felines feeling fine:
Cats are at increased risk of road accidents after nightfall – try to keep your cat indoors overnight and time meals to keep your cat away from roads when they are at their busiest
Antifreeze is lethal for cats so always keep this out of your cat’s way and clear up any antifreeze spills immediately
Ensure your cat can reach his chosen toileting site and if your cat is seeing snow for the first time, consider giving him access to a safe and enclosed area such as a garden and accompany him when he goes out
If your cat does venture out when it’s snowy, wipe off any road grit and other substances that may stick to his paws or fur when he returns
Provide shelter for cats that go outside. Keep the doors of sheds and outbuildings closed, wedged slightly open or install a cat-flap so cats do not become trapped inside
Check your cat-flap regularly to ensure it hasn’t frozen over or become blocked by snow and if you provide an outdoor water source, check it hasn’t frozen over
If your cat seems reluctant to venture outside in snow or ice, provide an indoor litter tray
Cats may climb into vehicle engines for warmth. Be vigilant, and check beneath or knock on the bonnet before starting your vehicle
Take special care of cats with arthritis, as the cold can severely affect inflamed joints.
Provide additional warm and comfortable places to rest or sleep. If your cat is finding it hard to reach favourite resting places then look at ways of making it easier for him. Also ensure he can easily access his chosen toileting site
Neutering is vital, not only to prevent unwanted kittens being born but to reduce roaming, especially during bad weather.
Ensuring your cat is microchipped also increases the chance of being reunited if he becomes lost
For advice on cat care, please visit www.cats.org.uk/cats-and-cold-weather
Supporting each other during winter
Refreshed ‘Ready Scotland’ website to help communities work together
Communities are being encouraged to continue to support each other as the country moves into winter.
The Scottish Government’s recently refreshed Ready Scotland website (ready.scot) provides a range of information for anyone looking for support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as advice on preparing for winter weather.
It also provides guidance for those who wish to help out those around them, whether on an individual basis or through volunteering with local community groups or charities.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “In any year, winter weather can be a challenge for many of us, and this year it will come while we are already managing the effects that COVID-19 is having on so many aspects of our lives.
“As we have seen in previous winters, and as we saw so clearly during our lockdown in the spring and in the months since, the strength and kindness of our communities and our desire to look out for our neighbours is one of our greatest resources.
“These support networks are no less important now than they were in the spring, especially to older, disabled and at risk people, and those who are on their own or feeling lonely. While we can’t visit each other as we might have done in previous years, a phone call or a text can go a long way, and there are a wide range of services standing ready to provide support.
“I would encourage people to continue to take time to check in with those around you and offer any help that you are able.”
Guidance on giving and finding help during the coronavirus pandemic, preparing for winter weather, and forming community groups is available on the Ready Scotland website.
For those without digital access, coronavirus support can be sought from the National Assistance Helpline by telephoning 0800 111 4000.
Clearyourhead.scot has a range of advice and resources, also offering practical assistance for anyone feeling low or needing to speak to someone for emotional support.
Winter weather: let’s tackle it together, says Transport Leader
The city council’s Transport Leader is asking everyone to do their bit, where possible, to help make sure front paths and local streets and pavements are safe and walkable this winter.
The council is braced for every weather eventuality, with 22 lorries primed to grit the city’s streets, 16 brand new mini tractors ready to treat pavements and more than 13,000 tonnes of salt stocked in preparation for frost, ice and snow.
Over recent weeks the fleet has already been out gritting neighbourhoods overnight with temperatures dropping below zero.
Residents are also being reminded about the 3000 salt bins located across the city which are regularly refilled to help people maintain their local streets where it is not possible to treat overnight. During this time staff need to focus on Edinburgh’s 1050km of priority one roads and 300km of priority one pavements leading to hospitals, schools, care homes and other key locations.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We’re well aware of the impact severe winter weather can have on the city and its services, as we saw when the ‘Beast from the East’ hit Edinburgh last year. That’s why we’re well prepared, as ever, with a fleet of lorries and gritting teams ready to tackle ice and snow during the colder months.
“What we’ve also seen during recent periods of extreme weather is the dedication shown by individuals and groups who have pitched in to help make their communities safe. We make every effort to keep the city moving over the winter, but resources need to be focussed on priority routes serving emergency services, vulnerable people and key arterial thoroughfares.
“It’s often thanks to these community members’ hard work that ice and snow is cleared from smaller streets, and I hope we will see people continue to make use of local grit bins and look out for their neighbours this winter.”
As well as a 75-strong road services team working in shifts round the clock to treat the city’s priority routes, there are more than 60 paid volunteers from departments across the Council.
Amongst these are staff from social work, facilities, parks, housing and community safety departments, who are on standby to assist the maintenance of priority pavements and cycle paths in the event of extreme weather.
This is the second winter crews will benefit from ‘thermal mapping’, based on road temperature data gathered over recent years, helping teams to direct resources accordingly to the roads most in need of treatment.
The service will also continue to utilise telematics devices fitted to the entire winter weather fleet to allow lorries and tractors to transmit their location and gritting operation, meaning a quicker response to the public’s needs.
Local farmers have been enlisted, as in previous years, to support the Council’s winter weather response by gritting rural routes and contracts are in place with external companies if the
Council needs access to additional staff and equipment in extreme winter conditions.
The public can find out about priority road, cycle path and pavement gritting routes by visiting the Council website’s winter weather pages which include an interactive map so that residents can locate their nearest salt bin.
If severe weather strikes, the Council will use its social media channels, website and local radio stations to keep residents updated on any impact on services.
WINTER WEATHER RESPONSE BY NUMBERS
- 13,500 tonnes of salt stockpiled for use across the city
- 16 brand new mini-tractors to cover the priority network of footpaths and cycle routes, which this year are trialling the use of snow clearing brushes for the first time
- 75 Edinburgh Roads Services staff working three shifts to treat roads
- 60 staff from across the Council working three shifts to treat priority footways and cycle routes (including customer advisers, social work, facilities, parks, housing, community safety, environmental wardens, project managers, care and support, cemeteries, rangers, IT)
“We’re prepared for whatever the weather has to throw at us”
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, writes about Edinburgh’s preparations for severe weather:
The nights are drawing in and the temperature is dropping. And while there’s a festive feeling beginning to build, there’s no ignoring the challenges the winter months can bring. Continue reading “We’re prepared for whatever the weather has to throw at us”
Scots urged Scots urged to stay well in wintry conditions, to look after themselves and vulnerable neighbours.
NHS 24 is advising people to take a few simple steps to stay well during this blast of wintry weather and what to do if illness does strike. Continue reading Scots urged Scots urged to stay well in wintry conditions, to look after themselves and vulnerable neighbours.
Roads team preparing for all conditions
The Winter fleet for Scotland’s trunk roads has been expanded to help make it more responsive to weather conditions. As well as more than two hundred traditional gritters located at 42 depots across the country, Transport Scotland has procured a new recovery vehicle which will help mitigate the impacts of flooding. It has been custom fitted with a remote controlled crane and specialist pump to help clear up incidents. Continue reading Roads team preparing for all conditions