Driving advice ahead of predicted cold snap

MOTORISTS in Halton are being warned to be prepared for driving in snow and icy conditions due to the recent cold weather.

The Driver And Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued tips to road users in Runcorn and Widnes.

The organisation is asking motoristis to ensure their vehicle is well maintained and serviced, to check it is in good running order before making a journey, and to be prepared in case of icy stretches on roads

The DVSA’s assistant chief driving examiner Ashley Bateman said: “DVSA’s priorities are to help you through a lifetime of safe driving and to help you keep your vehicle safe to drive.

“Road conditions can suddenly change during the winter, so being well prepared is vital.

“Drivers can help to keep themselves and other road users safe by carrying out basic safety checks and following the advice in The Highway Code about driving in winter weather.”

Motorists are advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions, consider other routes or types of transport, allow extra time for journeys, ensure vehicles are prepared, and to carry warm clothing, blankets, hot drinks, a torch, a shovel, and suitable footwear.

The DVSA also say drivers should keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow, add anti-freeze to radiators and winter additives to windscreen washer bottles, ensure wipers and lights are in good working order, and to check tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure.

When behind the wheel motorists are also being advised to avoid sudden actions which could cause loss of control, use dipped headlights in poor conditions, keep well back from the road user in front, and to drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible.

Road users should also accelerate and brake very gently and drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely.