The Casualty Reduction Partnership is urging motorists to stay safe on Northamptonshire’s roads as the weather turns colder and driving conditions become more treacherous.

With snow falling in some areas of the county, casualty reduction officers from Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire County Council are advising drivers to take extra care on the roads and prepare now for the changing weather conditions.

Be prepared:

• Anti-freeze – add anti-freeze to the radiator of your car. Also, to help keep your windscreen clean, add winter additive to the windscreen wash
• Battery – keep your battery fully charged
• Service – make sure your car has had a service and is well maintained
• Lights – make sure that all lights are working
• Tyres – your tyres should have the correct amount of air in them, and have plenty of tread depth
• Wipers – change the blades on your windscreen wipers if they are worn
• Windows – clear your windows and mirrors so that it is easier to see out. The glare of the low winter sun can make it difficult to see through dirty windscreens
• Emergency kit – create an emergency kit and keep this in the back of your car

Emergency kit contents:

• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch
• Warm clothes and blanket
• Food and drink
• Boots
• First-aid kit
• Battery jump leads
• Small spade

Driving tips:

• Allow extra time for your journey and let someone know the route you will be taking
• Use your headlights and fog lights in thick fog, but remember to turn them off when the weather has cleared
• Slow down – lower you speed in poor visibility or poor road conditions
• Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front and anticipate what other vehicles might do – they might not be able to stop quickly
• Look out for the tell-tale glistening on road surfaces in icy conditions
• When stopping, brake lightly to avoid skidding
• Don’t make any sudden manoeuvres – drive as smoothly as you can
• If the weather conditions are very poor do not travel unless you really have to

Gritting:

Northamptonshire County Council and their partner's MGWSP are responsible for gritting and snow clearance of the local road network. The Highways Agency is responsible for the trunk road network and motorways. However it must be remembered that not all roads are gritted. A leaflet detailing further information on winter driving and the gritting routes can be found online at www.reducingroadcasualties.com

PC Steve Harris, casualty reduction liaison officer, said: “We want everyone to stay safe on the roads this winter and enjoy the festive period. The pain of losing a loved one in a road collision is unthinkable at any time of year, but as Christmas is a time for friends and family we would urge everyone to take extra care and consideration for others on the roads in the cold weather.”

He continued: “We would also remind people not to leave their vehicles unattended with the keys in the ignition whilst waiting for the windows to defrost.”

Additional information:

The Casualty Reduction Partnership aims to provide safer roads within the county and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries resulting from road collisions. Members include Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire County Council, Health Authority, Highways Agency, Magistrates’ Courts and the Fire & Rescue Service.