Police urge drivers to take care

POLICE have urged motorists to be aware of road conditions particularly in the mornings when the temperature may have dropped and visibility is poor.

Police received reports of a number of road traffic collisions across the North-East on Wednesday January 13 and have advised motorists to drive for the conditions.

Inspector Jon Barron, of the Divisional Road Policing Unit, said: "This morning emergency services have responded to a number of collisions.

"While enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing I would like to urge motorists to be aware of road conditions in cold weather. Please plan ahead, check the weather forecast and, if you must travel, allow more time for your journey.

"In the mornings, when many of you will be travelling to work for example, I’d recommend that you leave earlier than you routinely would. On the way, please drive according to the conditions.

"Above all else, please slow down, allow more space from the vehicle in front and avoid sudden changes in acceleration and braking. If visibility is poor, please use dipped headlamps.

"If the weather has changed, your driving habits need to change. Winter driving requires greater care and needs more time. Vehicles need to be checked so they are also fit for purpose; primarily the tyres, lights, glass areas and the wiper blades and fluids."

"Please take care, drive responsibly and be prepared for the unexpected."

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