Gloucester Constabulary has issued the followin advice:-
Officers are using 4×4 vehicles to get to people in need of assistance and drivers are advised not to make their journey unless absolutely necessary.
If you must make your journey make sure you prepare your vehicle and it is in good condition before setting out:
- Make sure that you clear all the ice and misting from your windscreen and other windows before starting to drive. Without having a clear view you increase the likelihood of missing vital information and also you commit an offence.
- Be aware of places where ice, especially black ice, may form such as sections of roads which stay in shadow throughout the day.
- Keep your speed steady and slow and remember that braking distances can more than double on wet or icy road surfaces.
- Use your brakes cautiously. Abrupt braking can cause brake lock-up and cause you to lose steering control.
- To make Antilock Brakes work correctly, apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal. During an emergency stop, push the brake pedal all the way to the floor, if necessary, even in wet or icy conditions.
- Don’t make sudden changes in steering as this increases the potential for loss of control.
- Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so always slow down and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
- If you get stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and accelerate slowly. Avoid spinning the tires. Use sand or grit under the drive wheels
