Drivers beware, cold weather is on the way (again)

11:10am Friday 11th January 2013 in News

Icy conditions can be challenging as vehicle handling changes and stopping times and distances increase. Icy conditions can be challenging as vehicle handling changes and stopping times and distances increase.

With temperatures forecast to plummet this weekend, motorists are being urged once again to take care extra and be prepared.

The Met Office has forecast outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow across the West Midlands, including Herefordshire, tomorrow (Saturday) followed by a rapid drop in temperature which could lead to icy slippery roads.

The Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia has today reminded drivers that wet and icy conditions can be challenging as vehicle handling changes and stopping times and distances increase. 

Anna Higgins, communications manager at the Safer Roads Partnership, said: "With sleet, snow and low temperatures forecast over the next few days, roads could get very slippery and motorists will need to exercise caution.

It takes much longer for vehicles to slow down on wet, icy or snowy roads. Keep well back from the vehicle in front and allow plenty of time to slow down.

"Braking sharply on a slippery road will only make the situation worse and could cause the brakes to lock and the car to skid."

Keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours

Meanwhile, the Wye Valley Health Trust is working with Age UK Hereford to ensure the county’s elderly can cope during the predicted cold snap.

Related links

As reported yesterday, Hereford's County hospital’s A&E team is gearing up for an influx of hypothermia or pneumonia patients, of which the elderly are the group most at risk.

Jane Griffin, A&E lead nurse, said: “We’re urging everyone, but particularly older people, to stay healthy by following this simple advice: wrap up warm by wearing several layers, eat well and stay hydrated with plenty of hot drinks."

Comments(14)

wr5resident2 says...
12:56pm Fri 11 Jan 13

I hope Worc. County Council find a way of solving the black ice problem on the Wells Road through Malvern.

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SwedishMeatbulls says...
10:31pm Fri 11 Jan 13

Ha ha we here in Stockholm have had snow and ice since the beginning of Nov. And yes we do have a few days where everything comes to a stop but that's when we get a round a foot of snow under an 8 hour period. I'm sure your survive but with out winter tyres drive safely or leave the car at home,, Good Luck! ;-)

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TwoWheelsGood says...
10:56am Sat 12 Jan 13

Do we really need an overpaid 'communications manager' to tell us braking on ice will cause a skid?! So many overpaid, underemployed box tickers in the public sector, it’s a job in itself (or probably several jobs) to know where to start the cull.

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mizza21 says...
11:09am Thu 17 Jan 13

There's some very useful stuff in there.

"Slow Down early and allow more time for braking so as you don't skid."

That is very clever.

"Braking sharply on a slippery road will only make the situation worse and could cause the brakes to lock and the car to skid."

Well, who wants to make the situation worse ?

I shall be taking that advice onboard.
I wonder if I'll still be able to do 70 in me snow chains?

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Clarkester says...
1:54pm Thu 17 Jan 13

I wish I had a nice old rear wheeled drive Ford Escort or Capri... Kick that back end out...
I, um, of course mean: Slow right down and take care in difficult driving conditions...
Yes, that's what I meant to say.
Vroom!

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bobby47 says...
1:54pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Sweet Lord Above. TWG is right! I mean, how much more pointless rubbish can they churn out and force down our throats in the name of the Safer Roads Partnership.
I mean, we all know that you'd be a fool to hurtle out of your house but why is it necessary to employ someone who's role it is to tell us you'd be a fool to hurtle out of your house when your route is covered in snow.
For the love of God and all that's holy and good and right in the World, why do we have to pay so bloody much for this information.
Why can't the Council just get everyone together that's doing a pointless job and say, 'The games up. They're onto us. Youve gotta go. we have no more money. That lot out there? They've made it perfectly clear they don't want you to do this anymore. It's finished. We are done and sadly so are you.
What's complicated about this knotty conundrum. It's a simple and basic question of economics and the will of the public.
We don't need someone who's been on a course to tell us it could get bloody slippy out there.
I gotta get help!

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Ubique5740 says...
2:42pm Thu 17 Jan 13

Are they joking, do they really think that the majority of drivers need this advice - the drivers that do will not read the article but learn the hard way!
Whose for a snowball fight in the playground Friday lunchtime, Ah! The schools will probably be closed by then.

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mizza21 says...
4:07pm Thu 17 Jan 13

You can still have a lot of fun in a front wheel drive Clarkester, admittedly not as much but if you hit a corner nice and fast and take the power off it'll kick out.
I used to do that in my Civic Type-R on roundabouts even in dry weather.
Apply the power and it'll straighten up again.

Of course with this useless council we can't even power slide on roundabouts because of the innefficient traffic management leading to congestion.

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littlewhitebull says...
5:34pm Thu 17 Jan 13

I always follow this sensible and much needed advice. However, it can lead to unexpected consequences. For instance, a couple of years ago I followed religiously the advice to wear items that make you visible at night when you were walking. I wore a white coat, a white hat, white trousers, white wellies and a white scarf. Sadly, I was knocked down by a snow-plough.

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dippyhippy says...
9:31am Fri 18 Jan 13

Love that post Littlewhitebull !!

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littlewhitebull says...
10:40am Fri 18 Jan 13

Thanks dippyhippy. A little bit of light-hearted banter can sometimes help. I always believe that my insane comments help me stay sane. I realise that last sentence is rather silly - but many people (especially king Bobby) will agree it makes a degree of sense.

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Ubique5740 says...
10:57am Fri 18 Jan 13

Going off road slightly -Littlewhitebull - follow our leader Bobby47 and keep up the humour and light hearted banter
Its the posters who start to dribble offensive remarks about previous Posts and Posters that I and others have no time for.They should keep their mouth shut, it saves them being embarrassed.

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dippyhippy says...
11:19am Fri 18 Jan 13

Quite right, Ubique!! I totally agree, humour is a must. Insults and derogatory remarks, I can live without. I get enough of those at home !

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littlewhitebull says...
1:17pm Fri 18 Jan 13

Totally agree with Ubique and dippyhippy. I never take myself too seriously. Life is far too short.

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