Take care on roads

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is reminding all road users to take extra care on the roads during dark nights and cold mornings this winter.  

With temperatures starting to plummet overnight, road conditions in the mornings are becoming hazardous in some areas, with reports of black ice and slippery roads.  Driving in these conditions can be particularly challenging for drivers as vehicle handling changes and stopping times and distances increase.

Anna Higgins, Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership, said:

“There have already been reports of hazardous driving conditions in the mornings and motorists need to take extra care if weather and driving conditions deteriorate.  Vehicle handling can change considerably and it takes much longer to slow down on wet and icy roads.  Steering may become unresponsive and if this happens, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.  Braking sharply on an icy or wet road will only make the situation worse and could cause the brakes to lock and the car to skid.”

The partnership is also advising all road users to take extra care as the dark evenings are drawing in.  Pedestrians and cyclists are being encouraged to think about their presence on the roads and wear high visibility clothing and reflective material.  In addition, motorists are being urged to look carefully for other road users and ensure that their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition for the winter months.  Amongst other things, motorists should check their brakes, tyres, oil, water, wipers and antifreeze, and check lights are operating and in good working order.