With temperatures set to drop well below 0^oC and snow forecast in the next few days, North Yorkshire Police is reminding drivers to take extra care and prepare when on the roads.

Drivers should consider whether it is essential to travel. If they do take to the roads, drivers must take extra care and be mindful of black ice. The road surface can be deceptive, conditions that appear to be wet, but may be treacherous.

Drivers must:

• Slow down
• Allow more time for the journey
• Give more room between their car and the vehicle ahead

During similar conditions in January 2011, there were a number of collisions that left people seriously injured. In one tragedy, on the A1 near Richmond, a 16-year-old boy was killed. This resulted in a four year prison sentence for a lorry driver who pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Before they set on out on journeys drivers should make sure that they:

• Check the route they are intending on taking
• Clear all windows and lights of snow and ice
• Ensure that the vehicle’s screen wash bottle is topped up with anti-freeze and carry extra to refill it if needed
• Have a shovel and, if possible, salt with them
• Have warm clothing and provisions in case they get stuck
• Have a fully charged mobile phone
• Consider taking hot food and drinks

For more advice and information on driving in adverse weather conditions please visit the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire.police.uk/winterdriving. Drivers can also find traffic updates by following this link and following the “Links” section at the right hand side of the page.