Ice and snow warning for Shropshire motorists
Motorists across West Mercia are bracing themselves for more difficult driving conditions as weather forecasts again predict sub-zero temperatures and widespread icy roads for the Midlands area.
There is also the chance of black ice tonight as rain may wash away grit and then settle on freezing roads forming a sheet of ice which is difficult to see. Snow showers are also possible on higher ground.
The Safer Roads Partnership is urging drivers to take extra care and follow their advice about driving on icy and snowy roads. Driving in these conditions can be particularly challenging for drivers as vehicle handling changes and stopping times and distances greatly increase. It is important to drive smoothly and avoid braking sharply and accelerating quickly as this could lead to wheels locking or spinning. The advice from the Safer Roads Partnership is to keep well back from the vehicle in front to allow plenty of time to slow down and always look as far ahead as possible to anticipate what other road users might be planning to do.
Katy Jenkins from the Safer Roads Partnership comments: “Further snow and widespread icy roads have been forecast for the end of the week and into the weekend. Motorists need to take extra care when weather and road conditions deteriorate. Vehicle handling can change considerably and it takes much longer to slow down on wet, icy or snowy roads. Steering may become unresponsive and if this happens, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Braking sharply on an icy road will only make the situation worse and could cause the brakes to lock and the car to skid.”
“It is advisable to allow more time when pulling out of junctions, entering roundabouts and when merging with flowing traffic to enable you to do so smoothly, rather than accelerating quickly and risking wheel spin if the road is icy. Also, look ahead and try to anticipate what other road users might do at junctions, traffic lights and roundabouts.”
The Safer Roads Partnership is also advising drivers to pack an ‘Emergency Kit’ in case of break down or delay. The kit should include items such as an ice-scraper, torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, a first aid kit, battery jump leads, a shovel for snow, food and drink and sunglasses to help see in low winter sun. Motorists are also advised to make sure their mobile phone is fully charged before heading off on a journey.
Katy Jenkins adds: “It really is worth taking a few minutes to put a few extra items in your car that may be essential if you break down or experience a delay due to snowy or icy conditions. You may not need to use them but if you’ll be glad you packed them if you do.”
