Hampshire Constabulary Winter Driver Safety Advice

In a bid to keep motorists safe on the roads this winter, Hampshire Constabulary has teamed up with Hampshire County Council, to launch this year’s “Winter Driving” campaign.

The initiative aims to educate drivers from across the two counties about the hazards of travelling in rain, snow, fog and icy weather, and reinforce the importance of having clear vision and a roadworthy vehicle.

With fewer daylight hours, pedestrians and cyclists are also being reminded about the importance of being seen at all times.

As part of the campaign, officers from the force’s Roads Policing Unit will be at three roadshows across the county on Monday, November 13, offering “drive safe” advice to members of the public, and giving away ice scrapers.

All three roadshows start at 10.30am at the following venues:

Sainsbury’s, Tollbar Way, Hedge End, Southampton
Fleet Motorway Services, (Northbound) M3
Sainsbury’s, Foxes Road, Newport, Isle of Wight.
Roads Policing Inspector, Peter Hughes, said: “It only takes five minutes to prepare your vehicle, and that preparation could mean the difference between life and death.

"Driving in hazardous conditions, particularly with restricted vision, means any driver is putting themselves, and other road users, at risk.”

The force is reminding drivers to ensure that windscreens are clear before embarking on any journey.

All lights and mirrors should be in good working order and clear from dirt and ice/snow.

Hampshire County Council Road Safety Manager, Ernie Sage, said: "As winter arrives it is not only necessary for motorists to take extra care, but pedestrians and cyclists too.

"In the dark, you can't assume motorists can see you, so make sure you wear something reflective and if you are a cyclist, use your lights.

"Make sure motorists can always see you.

"Wear fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing when it's dark."

Motorists are also being offered the following advice:

Rain:

A driver’s stopping distance can double on a wet road
Maintain a safe distance as there will be a reduction in tyre grip
If your steering is suddenly unresponsive then brake slowly and gently in order to slow down.

Ice and snow:

Always manoeuvre gently in snow and ice, and try to drive in the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin
Allow extra room between yourself and the vehicle in front, as stopping distances are 10 times greater than in dry, fine weather.

Fog:

Use lights as required and headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (generally when you cannot see for more than 100m)
You may use front or rear foglights, but you must switch them off when visibility improves as other road users can be dazzled
Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front and beware of other drivers who don’t use headlights, as they will be harder to see.

Winter sun:

Winter sun is extremely bright and dazzling, so always keep a pair of sunglasses in the car.
Tiredness can also kill so take regular breaks.

Also keep essential items in your vehicle such as anti-freeze and a spare set of warm clothes, food, boots, a torch and even a spade – all will come in handy in the event of a breakdown.

Most importantly, don’t leave home during winter without checking weather forecasts, listen to travel information and tell someone where you are going.

A driver who has an obscured windscreen and is then involved in a fatal collision, could face a charge of death by dangerous driving, for which he/she could be given a sentence of up to 14 years imprisonment.

Under separate legislation (Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986), police have the power to serve a £30 fixed penalty notice on any driver who is not in a position to have full view of the road, or who uses a motor vehicle when vision is obscured.