Police have reminded motorists to be prepared for winter weather conditions.
Police said:
‘Officers attended a three-vehicle collision in Colwick on Monday 24 October.
‘No serious injuries but pictures show how serious it could have been.
‘Please take extra care with the winter weather coming.’
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Winter driving tips
Check your vehicle
- Ensure you check your fuel, oil and water levels, check electrics and make sure your tyres have sufficient tread before setting out.
- Check your lights and brakes are working effectively, including the handbrake and the fog lamps.
- Ensure your heaters are working and you have added antifreeze to your radiator and windscreen washers.
Be prepared
- Be prepared by having an emergency kit in your vehicle, which should include ice-scraper, de-icer, warm clothes and blankets, torch, boots, first aid kit, jump leads, a spade, a road atlas and sunglasses (for the winter glare).
- Check the forecast for the day. The morning trip to work might be clear skies and frost, but the changeable British weather means those clouds can roll in and the next thing you know you’re driving home in snow. Be ready for all eventualities.
Plan your journey
- Check weather and travel conditions before and during your journey and make sure you leave extra time to clear your windscreen properly before setting off.
- Try to stick to main roads that have been gritted, wherever possible. You can find details of gritting routes in our county on the Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council web sites.
In severe weather
- Consider whether your journey is essential or travel at a different time. In winter, the weather can change quickly so always be prepared for bad weather.
- Leave plenty of time for your journey so you can take it easy on your trip.
- Leave ample room between you and the vehicle in front to allow for wet, slippery surfaces.
- If in doubt, don’t go out. If the journey is not essential then leave it for a day when the conditions are better.
Always remember
- On those frosty mornings don’t leave your car running while you nip in
for the kettle to defrost your windscreen. It’s only takes a moment for a
thief to jump in and drive off. - Even when roads have been treated with salt, ice can still form, particularly on bends or under overhanging trees.
Be vigilant
Don’t ignore bad behaviour on our roads. Report careless or drink drivers to Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Cycling during winter
Winter clothing and accessories
- Invest in some good quality winter clothing, as getting cold and wet doesn’t make for a good riding experience, plus it could also affect your riding ability. Ensuring you have the right clothing for winter cycling will help you keep warm and dry.
- Hi-viz clothing is very effective at making you visible at night
- Add reflective items to body parts that move, i.e. shoes with reflective strips, reflective wrist bands and gloves
- If wearing a back pack or rucksack ensure it has reflective strips or areas for greater visibility
- Wear a rear light on your back pack or your helmet for extra visibility. The additional height of the light will be at eye level for most motorists
- Ensure the batteries in your lights are always in full working order and not running low
View our cycle safety advice guide
