Road Safety
Winter Driving
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (Road Safety Task
Group) have issued the following advice regarding Winter Driving and would like
to pass this on for your attention:
1. Always clear
snow/ice from all windows and mirrors before travelling to ensure you have good
visibility.
2. Always
carry a scraper and de-icer to clear windows and mirrors.
3. Ice and slush can
mean it will take you 10 times longer to stop than on a dry road so slow down,
manoeuvre gently and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
4. Vehicle
maintenance is very important. Tyres should have at least 3 millimetres of
tread and be at the right pressure. Check that your brakes are in good working
order. Lights should be wiped clean and windscreen wipers should work properly.
Make sure you have plenty of screen-wash and add anti-freeze to the radiator.
5. Take extra care around snowploughs and salting lorries. Keep a safe distance
and don't attempt to overtake.
6. Roads need to be cleaned of mud or sign
posted accordingly, if caused by you.
The Road Safety Task Group have the
following Winter Road Safety Days planned 10am-2pm
Monday 14 November -
Helmsley
Tuesday 15 November Filey
Friday 25 November - Whitby
Speeding
The roads in our area do not lend themselves to driving at high speeds. However even driving at relatively low speed has its dangers. About two thirds of all crashes where someone is killed or injured happen in areas with a 30 mph limit. Figures show that of pedestrians hit by a car driving at at 30mph 80% will survive. For cars driving at 35 mph the survival rate drops to 50%. (Figures from Safer Ryedale Partnership)
The following advice is given by the RSPA:
- Check the speedometer regularly, especially when leaving high speed roads
- Know the limit, check for signs especially at junctions
- Assume lamp posts mean 30mph unless signed otherwise (but be on the look out for 20 mph areas)
- Remember speed limits are a maximum not a target
- If there are children about keep to 20 mph at most
- Stay in 3rd gear in 30mph areas
- Be aware of what makes you speed, e.g. traffic ahead of you, tailgaters, overtaking
- Concentrate - distracted drivers tend to speed
- Slow down when entering villages
- Give yourself time for your journey