The big freeze continues to bite in Rochdale

The adverse driving conditions in Castleton this lunchtime

Rochdale is now covered by a blanket of snow and with more snow forecast for the rest of the day drivers are being urged to take care on the roads whilst driving in adverse weather conditions.

Driver-Ed has issued the following advice:

• The driver should be asking if the journey is necessary and consider the weather conditions.
• Make sure someone knows of the intended journey
• Vehicle checks – it is important the vehicle you intend to make the journey in is in the best possible condition

To aid your daily check routine follow the acronym – POWDER(Y)

Petrol – There is sufficient fuel for the journey.
Oil –All engine oil and hydraulic fluid levels are correct.
Water – There is an adequate supply (and strength) of ‘concentrate’ in the windscreen wash reservoir and that windscreen wash and wipers function correctly.
Damage – Check the vehicle's bodywork, all the equipment and seatbelts for any damage.
Electrics – All the lights (both internal and external) are working.
Rubber – Tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and are free of cuts or cracks; tread depth is at least 1.6mm and wheel nuts are tight. A spare wheel is carried and in good condition. Check the wiper blades for cracker of split rubber.
(y) YOU – the driver. Are you fit to drive for the intended journey.

Snow and ice driving tips: 

• Use the highest possible gear when setting off, this reduces the possibility of wheels spinning.
• Keep the engines revs as low as possible to help prevent wheel spin.
• Use the gears to help slow down, minimising the use of brakes and therefore the risk of skidding.
• Slow down in a straight line, prior to turning.
• Steering input should be smooth and gradual.
• Stopping distances can be up to ten times compared to stopping in the dry. 

Grip/tyres

• The importance of correctly inflated tyres and tyre tread depth cannot be stressed enough. Your brakes and steering will be adversely affected by under-inflated or over-inflated tyres.

Councillor Liz Thirsk, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We’ve already seen one of the coldest Novembers on record and now winter is really upon us. Winter is a very testing time for councils, and with less money at our disposal, the challenge to keep roads moving and services going is even greater.

“So far, gritting activity during this cold snap has gone according to plan and we have managed to keep the borough’s main routes open. We will do our best to keep up the momentum and we are as prepared as we can be, but motorists always need to take extra care when driving.

“I’d also like to remind residents to do their bit to look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours during this freezing weather. We’re ready to deal with winter problems and we want to work with local communities to ensure not only are out roads and pavements as safe as possible, but the elderly and vulnerable too.”