With the possibility of widespread snow across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this weekend, Hampshire Constabulary is issuing practical driving advice to motorists.
The timely advice comes in as the Highways Agency issue an amber alert for road users across the UK.
Temperatures tonight could fall as low -6°C and -8°C in many places and perhaps as low as -11°C in rural areas.
The Met Office predicts that snow will arrive tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon. Later in to Sunday, rain falling onto cold ground may then also turn some of the snow to ice.
As well as the more visible risk of snow, the Highways Agency is warning of the less obvious risk of ice, especially as any rain falls on very cold road surfaces.
Inspector Jon Snook from Hampshire Constabulary’s Roads Policing unit said: “Snow and ice can make driving treacherous, so my advice is to only travel if you absolutely have to.
“Give yourself plenty of time for your journey, take care, drive slowly and leave plenty of time for braking.
“Before you set off, make sure you’ve cleared all the snow from your vehicle, especially the roof. Any snow left on a vehicle can cause a hazard for other motorists driving behind you.”
Preparation
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Take a few minutes to prepare your vehicle before setting off, clearing all windows, windscreens, lights, mirrors and your roof of snow and ice
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Keep essential items in your car in case of breakdown such as a blanket, warm clothing a hot drink and a torch
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Add anti-freeze to the radiator during winter months
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Make sure your windscreen wipers are in good working order
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Ensure your tyres are kept to the correct pressure and check them regularly
Driving
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In snowy and icy conditions, only drive if absolutely necessary
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Try and manoeuvre gently and avoid any harsh braking or acceleration
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It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than in dry, fine weather, so drive slowly
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If you do have to brake on snow or ice, get into a lower gear early, allow your speed to fall, brake gently
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Low winter sun can be bright and dazzling. Check and double check mirrors and blind spots before manoeuvring
Highways Agency Advice to Road Users
• In winter, weather can change quickly. Don’t travel in severe weather unless your journey is essential. If you must travel, be prepared for bad weather.
• Before you set out, check local and national weather forecasts. Listen to travel bulletins on the radio. Take an emergency kit including warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade.
• Remember that local conditions, such as bends or overhanging trees, can mean that you may need to drive with care even after road surfaces have been treated with salt.
Drivers are advised to make sure they are well-prepared for any journey. There is information on the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/winter and regular updates on Twitter by following @winterhighways
Keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings at www.metoffice.gov.uk For the latest information, stay up to date with online forecasts and weather warnings.
For the latest weather news for the Isle of Wight, Island Pulse advises you to visit Wroxall Weather www.wroxall-weather.co.uk
Click on Bold Text to access website links.
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