Reckless driving in snowy weather is ‘staggering’, say police
Police in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire have urged motorists to drive slowly and carefully with temperatures set to drop again overnight.
In Cambridgeshire, more than 30 drivers were caught speeding in treacherous conditions yesterday (Monday).
Officers stopped 32 motorists for driving too fast across the county, despite the freezing conditions and snow.
Inspector Bob Turner said: “With the treacherous conditions it is staggering that people are still driving recklessly.
“For that many people to be caught speeding is bad enough, but to do so in poor visibility and on icy roads is incredibly dangerous.
“Hitting a patch of ice, even at low speed, can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Doing so at high speed could put yourself and other road users at further risk.
“I would urge motorists to allow plenty of time for their journey and drive to the road conditions.”
Meanwhile, in Suffolk, 49 calls about traffic-related incidents, many of which were in relation to minor collisions or vehicles coming off the roads, were received between midnight and 9am this morning.
A police spokesman said: “With temperatures set to dip again overnight police would like to remind drivers to take precautions and ensure that your journey is safe by following some simple advice.”
Suffolk Police issued the following advice:
- Make sure all your car lights are working and you have no failed bulbs. Ensure that dirt, salt and snow is cleared away from light fixtures.
- Always ensure all windows are fully cleared of snow, frost and condensation before setting off on a journey - it is illegal to drive with obscured vision.
- Clear snow from the top of your car as this can fall down and obscure your windscreen while you are driving.
- Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up as windscreens quickly become dirty from traffic spray and salt from the roads.
- Make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey. Keep the fuel tank topped up.
- Give yourself extra time for your journey and drive at a sensible speed. Leave appropriate distances between yourself and other road users. Accept your journey will take longer and don’t take risks.
- Take a mobile telephone with you and make sure it is fully charged. Carry a mobile charger in the car.
- If you get stuck in the snow stay with your car, but in an emergency if you do need to leave it, park it out of main traffic routes, where it won’t cause an obstruction when conditions ease. Leave a contact number on the inside of the windscreen and return to your car at the first opportunity you have.
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Weather for Newmarket
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North
