Drive with care in snow - Police advise

Police are warning motorists to drive with care in the current wintery conditions.
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Police would always advise motorists of the following when driving in such conditions -

• Slow down and leave plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you

• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock, ease off the brakes

• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists and always clear all ice and snow off the car windows before setting out

• Drive slowly on snow in the highest gear possible.

• Never overtake snowploughs or gritting lorries. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind

• Do not assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Police would also advise for anyone unlucky enough to get stuck in snow:

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.

Use a light touch on the accelerator to ease your car out.

Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.

Pour sand, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels – or even your foot mats - to help get traction.

If you must leave your car, arrange to have it recovered as soon as possible. If you think it is in a place that may pose a danger to other road users, call the police to let them know.

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