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WHETHER you are walking, cycling or driving please take care and leave extra time for your journeys as a:- 'Yellow Cold Weather Warning' for Ice and Snow has been issued by the Met Office for our area. With sub-zero temperatures leading to potentially dangerous road conditions, please ask yourself:- "is my journey is really necessary?"

The UK Met Office is warning our area of potential travel disruption caused by a mixture of sleet, snow, and ice, until:- 11.59 pm, on Thursday, 18 January 2024.

Driving in icy weather can be treacherous, so please keep speeds down if driving. Also, if your car has a dedicated driving mode for winter or icy conditions, be sure to turn it on.

Before you leave home, we suggest you make sure you pack a charged mobile phone (and a charger cable), a bottle of water, a few snacks, and a warm blanket. Just in case you get stuck. Also make sure the car's windows, lights, and mirrors are completely clear of ice or snow before you set off.

Gritters are heading out to the major parts of the road network, but if you are diving on any roads, even roads that have been gritted, you might still find patches of ice, that can result in you losing traction. To reduce the risk of a skid, keep your speed down, and accelerate slowly, also you should brake, steer, and change gear as smoothly as possible.

Advising on winter driving, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Road Safety Manager for England, Rebecca Guy 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.”

You can find more advice in our previous Newsbite:- "UK Motorists Face Hefty Fines Amid Snow and Ice Warnings" which can be read by clicking here now.

Also, it is worth adding that RoSPA’s Road Safety experts have also got a free dedicated:- 'Winter Driving Tips' download advice form that you can download from our website.

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 know someone who is vulnerable or knows any elderly relatives or neighbors, and please check to see if they need any practical help and that they are well.