Motorists urged to take extra care as winter weather arrives

Nottinghamshire motorists are being advised to take extra precautions as road conditions deteriorate with the arrival of snow and ice.

It follows a series of collisions that closed the A46 in both directions on 2 January.

Several vehicles slid off the stretch of road and crashed into ditches due to icy conditions.

Cold weather is set to linger across the county in the coming days, bringing a mix of winter hazards as temperatures fall to around freezing for the remainder of this week.

Whether it’s overnight frost and snow, persistent rain, or ice, variable conditions have an impact on how vehicles perform and how motorists should approach a journey.

Nottinghamshire Police’s specialist Roads Policing Unit (RPU) is taking the opportunity to remind motorists of their responsibilities.

Drive to arrive

• Ensure vehicle tyres meet legal requirements – tyres without sufficient tread will affect traction and steering
• Keep your distance – icy road surfaces mean you will need greater stopping distances to brake
• Clear your windscreen properly of ice and snow – keep de-ice spray and a scraper in your vehicle and ensure windscreen washer reservoirs are topped up with screenwash that goes below -5°C
• Plan ahead – allow more time for journeys and check the weather forecast
• Keep extra warm clothes in your car – blankets, socks, hats, and gloves in case of a breakdown

Sergeant Steve Waft, of the force’s RPU, said: “Winter has hit us – it’s cold, it’s wet, it’s slippy, so we’re seeing more accidents on the road as motorists struggle to stop in time.

“To help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely as the latest spell of cold weather arrives, we are sharing our top tips for winter driving in snowy and icy conditions.

“Ensure that your tyres are road legal – this means a minimum car tread depth of 1.6 millimetres.

“We recommend replacing tyres at a tread depth around 3mm, as beyond this the grip levels drop off substantially.

“Please clean your windscreen properly. We are seeing people deciding to clear a small amount of ice and snow so that they can get their journeys started sooner.

“It is an offence to drive with an obstructed windscreen, so spending that extra 10 minutes in the morning could genuinely save someone’s life by preventing a crash because of reduced visibility.

“If it’s snowy or icy, take your time and plan ahead. A bit of common sense to lower your speed and allow greater distances to the vehicle in front is the perfect way to drive in these conditions.

“If you try to brake or accelerate sharply, you will skid, spin your wheels, and lose control of the vehicle. Slow your speed, and anticipate other vehicles braking, a junction, and pedestrians at a crossing.

“Keep your washer fluid topped up, and we would recommend screenwash of at least -5°C. Although not as common, when the temperature plunges, you will be prepared.

“Always remember to check the weather forecast. If it’s going to snow or be icy and your journey isn’t essential, then just don’t travel.

“Consider keeping a shovel, blanket, and extra warm clothes in your vehicle just in case you do break down – it can very quickly turn cold if you can’t keep the engine running.

“Following these tips will help ensure all motorists remain safe across our road network and drive to arrive.”