Shropshire motorists urged to take care in poor driving conditions
With further heavy rain forecast this afternoon and over the weekend, motorists across Shropshire are being urged to take care on the county’s roads.
Significant travel disruption across some routes is expected later today and over the weekend following a number of weather warnings issues by the Met Office for heavy rain and gales.
The Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police is advising motorists that if driving through larger puddles or smaller areas of standing water drive slowly and steadily, allow oncoming traffic to pass and always test your brakes after leaving the water.
Drivers are advised to:
- Remember that in wet weather stopping distances are at least double those required for stopping on dry roads
- Keep well back from the vehicle in front, so you have the time and distance to brake safely
- If steering becomes unresponsive it probably means the water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
- Remember the rain and spray from vehicles makes it difficult to see and be seen, so adjust your speed and drive more slowly and use your headlights
Inspector Ian Massey, from the force operations department of West Mercia Police co-ordinating the police response to the bad weather, said: "We are continuing to monitor the situation, and are liaising closely with our partner organisations.
"There are a number of road closures in place and sadly, some drivers are still ignoring these and are even taking the risk of driving through flood waters.
"I cannot stress enough how important it is that drivers do not drive through flooded roads or fords as it is impossible to judge how the deep the water is. Two feet of water will float a car.
"I would urge residents and motorists to continue to listen to weather forecasts and local radio for the latest updates."
Vicki Bristow from the Safer Roads Partnership comments: “We are urging all motorists to exercise caution in these conditions, use common sense and follow our simple advice. Localised flooding still exists in places and the current forecast is predicting more of the same so our advice is to stay alert to local weather and news reports and if your area is experiencing flooding it’s advisable to leave any non essential travel until any flooding has subsided.”
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