Road safety

Road safety

As we move into the winter months, please take extra care when using the roads. Shorter daylight hours, adverse weather conditions, frost, ice and heavy rain can all increase the risk of collisions. Before setting out, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy by checking tyre condition and pressures, lights, windscreen wipers, screen wash and battery condition. Allow extra time for journeys and adjust your driving to suit the conditions, increasing stopping distances and reducing speed where necessary. Drivers are also reminded to ensure their windscreens and windows are fully cleared of ice, frost and condensation before driving. Even a small area of restricted visibility can have serious consequences.

With the darker evenings, vehicle crime can also increase. Please help protect your property by locking your vehicle whenever it is unattended and ensuring all windows and sunroofs are fully closed. Do not leave items of value on display, including mobile phones, handbags, wallets, tools, shopping bags or sat-nav devices. Even items that appear to have little value can attract opportunist thieves if left in plain sight.

If possible, park in well-lit areas or secure locations and consider removing valuables from your vehicle altogether. Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Stay safe this winter and help keep our roads and communities safer for everyone.