Earlier today I received the following media release from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service:

Drivers to take caution on icy roads

Drivers are being urged to take extra care whilst driving as winter begins to arrive on roads across the Humberside area.

The warning comes after Humberside Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to attend a number of road traffic collisions this morning.  

Watch Manager Phil Leake, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service: “Crews which attended this mornings road traffic collisions reported that the roads were extremely icy. We are working extremely hard to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in road traffic collisions. this mornings collisions are a reminder that it is crucial drivers take extra care as we enter the winter months.

“This week we have been supporting National Road Safety Week working closely with partner agencies to stress the importance of road safety to the public. This not only includes being prepared for adverse weather conditions but also not drinking or taking drugs before or whilst your driving. Icy conditions are clearly already starting to appear across the area, drivers need to be alert and take care when they’re on the road.”

There are a number of precautions drivers can take now that the ice is starting to appear on our roads:

- Stopping distances are ten times longer in ice so stay far enough back from the vehicle in front
- Carry an ice-scraper and de-icer in the car and allow enough time in the morning to fully clear your windscreen and rear window of ice and mist.
- Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in ice. Use all the car’s controls – accelerator, brakes, clutch and steering – as gently and progressively as possible. Select second gear when pulling away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin. Watch the road ahead so as to give yourself enough time to brake gently.

NOTES TO EDITORS

On Saturday 28th November Humberside Fire and Rescue Service will be at the Freshney Place big giveaway where members of the public can receive one of 1000 school bags full of reflective items, road safety comics and workbooks which will be given to all under 12s whilst stocks last.