Liverpool City Council is urging drivers to take extra precautions this winter as adverse weather conditions can significantly increase the risk of road traffic collisions.
According to RoSPA, in 2023, 21 people were killed, 382 were seriously injured, and 1,307 were slightly injured in reported road traffic collisions on Great Britain’s roads when there was rain, snow, sleet, or fog.
Liverpool City Council says driving in winter presents unique challenges, including reduced visibility and increased stopping distances. The council’s road safety team advises drivers to prepare their vehicles by:
- Checking that tyres have sufficient tread depth, including the spare, and that each tyre has the correct tyre pressure for the vehicle and its intended use.
- Checking cooling systems contain the correct amount of antifreeze/engine coolant.
- Testing wipers and washers to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Filling washer bottles with a suitable winter additive to prevent freezing.
- Checking condition and operation of all the vehicle’s external and internal lights.
The council also advises drivers to plan their journeys, through checking weather forecasts and asking whether they are essential.
Advice is also to drive cautiously:
- Reduce speed in snowy and icy conditions.
- Drive in the highest gear possible to maintain control.
- Avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
- Maintain a safe stopping distance.
- Use dipped headlights in poor visibility and snow.
- Use rear fog lights only when necessary and switch them off when conditions improve.
- Be aware of other road users, especially vulnerable road-users like cyclists, pedestrians, and children.
In the event of difficulties, the advice is for drivers to stay with their vehicle if possible until help arrives – and if they must leave the vehicle, make themselves visible to other road users.
Click here to read the full set out guidance.
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