Police issue black ice warning for UK drivers amid freezing temperatures & winter weather
With temperatures hitting zero or below in much of the UK, drivers are being warning about the dangers of black ice. Humberside Police in North Lincolnshire tonight tweeted out a warning to drivers.
Sharing a red warning sign image, they wrote: “#IsleofAxholme – its minus degrees outside which is causing alot of ice on our rural roads this evening, please take care if you’re out on an essential journey.
“We’ve already attended several incidents tonight caused by black Ice. SLOW DOWN or even better STAY HOME and STAY SAFE.”
Cotswolds Police shared a similar message just yesterday, urging drivers to “take care when going to work”.
What should drivers do to make sure they can avoid black ice, and if they find themselves driving on it, what is the safest course of action?
READ MORE: Drivers can clear frost and ice from car windscreen using ‘common kitchen items’
The RAC offer advice to drivers on what to look out for, and what to do.
They said: “Black ice is a thin layer of ice on the road surface. Because it is smooth and transparent, it appears the same colour as the road below.
“Black ice can be almost invisible to drivers, which makes it particularly dangerous.
“As a guide, if the temperature is low and the road surface looks ‘wet’, be careful and drive with caution as it could be black ice.”
The RAC continued: “Sometimes black ice appears as a glossy sheen on the road. You may see it glinting in the sunlight, or spot cars ahead swerving for no obvious reason.
“However, it’s likely you won’t see black ice at all, so be particularly cautious on shaded stretches of road, bridges, flyovers and tunnels – anywhere the surface temperature may be lower, in fact.”
Advising what to do if you hit black ice, the wrote: “If you hit a patch of black ice, don’t panic. Keep the steering wheel straight and maintain your speed – don’t hit the brakes.
“Use the gears to slow down if necessary, but avoid any sudden movements that could destabilise the car.
“If you do encounter a skid, steer gently into it. For example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right.”
Drivers setting out in winter weather conditions were urged to change their driving style by an expert.
RAC Patrol of the year Ben Aldous said it was “vital” motorists who use their cars in the freezing temperatures made sure they were equipped.
He warned frost and ice were the “enemies of drivers” as he urged motorists to adapt their driving style to the freezing conditions.
Mr Aldous said: “It’s vital that those that need to use their cars for essential trips in the national lockdown ensure they’re equipped for the big freeze over the next few days. Fog, ice and in some places snow are the enemies of drivers.
“In order to avoid falling foul of the conditions, it’s important for motorists to adjust their driving style to suit the conditions.
“Being gentler on the throttle and brakes, and slowing down particularly on rural or ungritted routes can help ensure a safe and trouble-free journey.
“But before setting out drivers should check their tyres have plenty of tread and are properly inflated to ensure they have the best grip possible.”
Source: | This article originally belongs to Express.co.uk
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