Advice on driving in wet weather
With colder mornings comes the temptation to defrost icy cars, by starting the engine and letting in run, and going back indoors.
We have already had one car stolen, since the change in weather, probably as a result of this method of de-icing a car. It’s not worth the risk and there may be insurance implications if it is deemed drivers have not taken reasonable security measures.
Recently winters have been milder, with increased wet weather, the following advice about driving in wet conditions has been issued by our colleagues in Roads Policing: Please ensure that you display lights; dipped headlights at the very least, and windscreen wipers.
By maintaining a larger gap from the vehicle in front, the likelihood is that spray won’t obscure your visibility and you will be able to plan further ahead.
Be aware of surface water on the road as this could cause aquaplaning.
Aquaplaning is when a wedge of water builds between the front tyres and the road surface causing a lack of grip. The unfortunate mistake that drivers make is they try and steer while having lost the grip. Unfortunately when the water subsides, and the tyres make contact with the road surface again, the vehicle will go in the direction in which the wheels were left facing.
I know it may go against the grain, but my advice to you, is take your foot from the accelerator and the brake, put in the clutch, and just retain a light grip on the steering wheel.
This week we are appealing for witnesses to an assault which took place about 2.30pm on November 1 at Burnside Lane, Hamilton.
In what appears to be an unprovoked attack, a 43-year-old male was punched to the face by a suspect described as male, approximately 17-years-old, wearing a black ‘Gap’ hoody and blue jeans. The male was in the company of another male, described as about 16-years-old and had his hair in a ‘bun’. Both males then made off after the assault.
Overnight between October 30-31 a house in Station Gate, Netherburn was broken into. The house is currently being renovated and a number of electrical items were stolen.
Another break-in occurred at during the morning of Monday, October 31, at Smithycroft, Hamilton.
Thieves gained entry to the house and stole a quantity of expensive items. Overnight between October 25 and 26 a Stanley tool backpack was stolen from a works van in Cherrytree Crescent, Larkhall.
This highlights the importance of removing tools from works vans when leaving them overnight.
About 2.20am on Tuesday, November 1, children, wearing school uniforms, were seen setting fire to the rubber mats within the playpark of Blantyre Public Park, Station Road, Blantyre.
The damage caused is concerning enough, but children putting themselves in danger is a real concern and should highlight to parents the dangers of their children having access to matches and lighters, particularly at this time of year.
If you have any information you feel should be reported please contact the police using 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.