We need to adapt the way we drive during the winter and be prepared for journeys that may take us through very varied weather, road and traffic conditions to avoid road accidents.
Winter driving advice
When we have prolonged periods of snow, as we have experienced over the past few years, we tend to see a fall in the overall number of road casualties because fewer people take to the roads. However, as would be expected, we also see more people being killed and injured in road accidents when weather conditions are snowy or icy.
Figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that across Great Britain in 2011, 32 people were killed and 3,912 people were injured in reported road accidents when there was snow or ice on the road surface. DfT figures also show that 6 people were killed and 672 were injured when it was snowing at the time.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) offer winter driving advice and tips about preparing your vehicle, yourself and your journey and driving in snow or ice, rain, fog, strong winds and low sunshine.
Knowing the weather forecasts and how to read road conditions will help you decided if, when and how journeys can be undertaken. Listen to local radio weather and traffic reports.
RoSPA supports the use of salt and grit on road surfaces as part of a pro-active and re-active winter maintenance programme if and when the temperature drops, or is expected to drop, below freezing point. However, it is recognised that it may prove impossible for all local authorities with highway responsibilities to ensure that all roads are salted and/or gritted on each occasion.
You can find out which routes your local council will be gritting and even send them gritting requests via the gov.uk website.
If however, despite your best preparations, you find yourself involved in a road traffic accident this winter and need some expert legal advice and support, Wrigely Claydon is here to help you.
With 30 years experience helping people claim their accident compensation we are waiting to help you, please call us on 0161 785 3534.
Vijay Srivastava
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