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With snow
and icy conditions widely predicted, drivers are asked to only venture
out if their journeys are absolutely necessary if, or when, the bad
weather arrives.
Inspector
John Pickersgill, Traffic Management Inspector for Gloucestershire
said:
"Many
of us will be driving throughout Christmas and the New Year to visit
friends and relatives and socialise.
The
majority of the time we will not encounter any problems, but if
the weather is bad we must all question whether or not our journey
is really worthwhile.
If
we do decide to venture out there are some steps we can all take
to make our journeys safer.
Traffic
collisions that result in injury and, sadly, death can ruin what
should be one of the happiest times of the year.
Above
all, people should heed our messages not to drink and drive. Anyone
drinking and driving this Christmas risks, at the very least, losing
their licence and in the worse scenario they could seriously injure
or kill themselves or an innocent victim.
We
should all do our best to make sure this Christmas is not marred
by tragedy on the county's roads."
Tips
Drivers
are asked to adhere to the following advice:
- Check
that your car is up to the journey, tyres are correctly inflated
and in good condition, and ensure anti-freeze has been added to
the radiator & screen wash.
- Tell
a friend or relative where you are going.
- Take
a spade, flask of hot drink, some chocolate bars or snacks, torch,
mobile phone (with charger), blanket, wellingtons, outdoor clothing,
gloves, and a hat, and perhaps sunglasses, with you.
- Drive
slower than usual on icy or snowy roads and leave a greater distance
between yourself and the car in front.
- Check
your route with such organisations as RAC Travel and AA Roadwatch,
and tune into local radio before you set out.
- If
you get stuck in an isolated area, stay with your vehicle and
remember that the engine should not be left running in deep snow,
as there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never
drink and drive - not even one or two drinks. Even if you have
been drinking the night before you could be over the limit the
next morning. Book a taxi or nominate a designated driver.
Use
your mobile phone if you need to access the emergency services for
help - though not while you're driving, of course!
If
you would like to comment on this or any other story on this site
then you can email us at: gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk
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With
the risk of bad weather this Christmas period, Gloucestershire Constabulary
are offering the following travel advice for motorists...
