With the bad weather hitting Redditch and the surrounding areas here is some great advice from the West Mercia Police about how to stay safe on the roads this winter.

For the latest information on school & road closures, public transport disruption and event cancellations please visit http://reddimedia.co.uk/page/badweather

Take extra care on the roads as the bad weather continues

The weather conditions are likely to make driving conditions more hazardous across the region so motorists are advised to be prepared and adjust their driving accordingly.

Driving too quickly in bad weather conditions can lead to serious injury and fatal collisions. Motorists can help avoid becoming involved in these types of collisions by reducing their speed and driving with more caution.

Katy Jenkins, Communications Manager for the West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, says: “It is important for motorists to remember that carrying out normal, everyday manoeuvres takes longer when the surface of the road is wet, icy or covered in snow. Braking in these conditions takes up to ten times longer than braking on a dry road. It is vital that motorists slow down and allow extra time to break and stop.

“The key message for motorists is to carry out manoeuvres carefully, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration. Collisions often occur when motorists lose control of their vehicles and start skidding across the road, so it is vital that motorists reduce their speed when driving in poor conditions so they don’t end up injuring themselves or other road users.

“Also, driving in heavy snow will mean a reduction in visibility, so please take your time and make sure you leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.”

When preparing to drive in wintry conditions:

• Check the local and national weather forecasts
• Listen to local and national radio stations for up to date travel information
• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive
• Make sure you have warm clothes, food, drink, boots, a torch and a fully charged mobile phone in case you break down
• In snowy conditions carry a spade
• If severe weather strikes, don’t make any unnecessary journeys

When driving in bad weather conditions:

• Motorists should keep well back from the vehicle in front
• If steering becomes unresponsive it may mean water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
• Rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen, motorists should reduce their speed and clearly indicate at roundabouts and junctions

Vehicle condition is also a vital part of road safety. Motorists are advised to:

• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from snow and ice
• Make sure the car battery is fully charged
• Add antifreeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles
• Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order
• Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth (the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the centre three quarters of the tyre) and are maintained at the correct pressure
• Make sure the brakes are working correctly
• Make sure that you understand the meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel: do not ignore warning signs, they could indicate a dangerous fault developing

For more information on school & road closures, public transport disruption and event cancellations during the bad weather please visit http://www.kingfisherfm.co.uk/snow