Warnings to motorists as bad weather is predicted
Thursday, 11th December 2014.
Police are advising drivers to take extra care on the roads with bad weather predicted to hit the region over the next few days.
Severe weather warnings of high winds and heavy rain have been issued by the Met Office for the east of England, which could result in disruption and dangerous conditions on the roads.
Chief inspector for the joint Norfolk and Suffolk roads policing and firearms unit, Chris Spinks, said: "Bad weather increases the risk of accidents happening on the road so it is important drivers take extra care.
"Heavy rain can cause poor visibility so make sure you use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Surface water can be difficult to see in the rain so make sure you reduce your speed to give yourself the chance of avoiding it if possible.”
Motorists are advised to make sure their car is in full working condition before they set out on a journey, including checking headlights, brakes, and windscreen wipers.
Cyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in bad weather and should consider alternative methods of transport. If you are planning to cycle, you should have lights on in poor visibility and wear bright, reflective clothing, so that other road-users can see you as soon as possible.
Ch Insp Spinks continued: "Strong winds can cause obstructions in the roads and flying debris so it is important drivers pay particular attention, and expect the unexpected – you don’t know what hazards could be round the corner such as fallen trees.
"High-sided vehicles such as caravans and HGVs can become unstable as a result of such winds.”
With a drop in temperature over the past few days, drivers are also reminded to be aware of icy patches on the roads and to drive at appropriate speed depending on the condition of the roads.
For further information and advice on how to drive safely, visit www.suffolk.police.uk or www.norfolk.police.uk
You can also follow the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Police roads policing unit on Twitter - @NSroadspolicing
To find out more about the weather warnings, visit www.metoffice.gov.uk
Advice for drivers in bad weather:
Only travel if absolutely necessary in severe weather: remember high winds can cause both road and rail disruptions as well as dangerous conditions.
Plan your journey before you travel to check for road closures and diversions.
Consider your mode of transport: motorbikes and bicycles are vulnerable. High sided vehicles and caravans are at risk of being upturned in strong winds.
Winds can cause obstructions and flying debris so please be mindful of these and pay close attention when driving.
Make sure your lights are working before you head out and use dipped headlights when visibility is poor.
Check that your windscreen wipers are in good working condition.
Reduce your speed – it takes longer to stop on wet and/or icy roads, and hitting standing water at speed could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Leave more space that usual between you and the vehicle in front of you - make sure that there is enough room between your car and the vehicle in front to allow you to stop suddenly if you need to.
Beware of slippery road surfaces and standing flood water – and remember surface water will be difficult to spot in the rain.
Do not attempt to drive through floods - you don’t know how deep the water is and could become stranded.
Severe weather warnings of high winds and heavy rain have been issued by the Met Office for the east of England, which could result in disruption and dangerous conditions on the roads.
Chief inspector for the joint Norfolk and Suffolk roads policing and firearms unit, Chris Spinks, said: "Bad weather increases the risk of accidents happening on the road so it is important drivers take extra care.
"Heavy rain can cause poor visibility so make sure you use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Surface water can be difficult to see in the rain so make sure you reduce your speed to give yourself the chance of avoiding it if possible.”
Motorists are advised to make sure their car is in full working condition before they set out on a journey, including checking headlights, brakes, and windscreen wipers.
Cyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in bad weather and should consider alternative methods of transport. If you are planning to cycle, you should have lights on in poor visibility and wear bright, reflective clothing, so that other road-users can see you as soon as possible.
Ch Insp Spinks continued: "Strong winds can cause obstructions in the roads and flying debris so it is important drivers pay particular attention, and expect the unexpected – you don’t know what hazards could be round the corner such as fallen trees.
"High-sided vehicles such as caravans and HGVs can become unstable as a result of such winds.”
With a drop in temperature over the past few days, drivers are also reminded to be aware of icy patches on the roads and to drive at appropriate speed depending on the condition of the roads.
For further information and advice on how to drive safely, visit www.suffolk.police.uk or www.norfolk.police.uk
You can also follow the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Police roads policing unit on Twitter - @NSroadspolicing
To find out more about the weather warnings, visit www.metoffice.gov.uk
Advice for drivers in bad weather:
Only travel if absolutely necessary in severe weather: remember high winds can cause both road and rail disruptions as well as dangerous conditions.
Plan your journey before you travel to check for road closures and diversions.
Consider your mode of transport: motorbikes and bicycles are vulnerable. High sided vehicles and caravans are at risk of being upturned in strong winds.
Winds can cause obstructions and flying debris so please be mindful of these and pay close attention when driving.
Make sure your lights are working before you head out and use dipped headlights when visibility is poor.
Check that your windscreen wipers are in good working condition.
Reduce your speed – it takes longer to stop on wet and/or icy roads, and hitting standing water at speed could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Leave more space that usual between you and the vehicle in front of you - make sure that there is enough room between your car and the vehicle in front to allow you to stop suddenly if you need to.
Beware of slippery road surfaces and standing flood water – and remember surface water will be difficult to spot in the rain.
Do not attempt to drive through floods - you don’t know how deep the water is and could become stranded.
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