Winter driving advice

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is urging drivers to take care on the roads as the icy weather sets in.

Crew Manager Jim Norcross said: ""These days GMFRS rescues more people each year from road traffic collisions than from fires and sadly we often see more accidents on the roads when the temperature falls and it gets icy."

Between 1 November  2011 and 29 February 2012 GMFRS were called to 256 road traffic collisions when the country experienced wintry weather conditions on the roads - during that time five people were killed.

Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority Councillor David Acton said: "As the temperature drops and roads get icy, accidents can happen to anyone, but you can reduce your chances of a collision.

"GMFRS advises people to stay below the speed limit and slow down in bad weather conditions.

"It's important to drive more carefully in dangerous road conditions like snow, heavy rain, ice or fog by slowing down, leaving room for the vehicle in front and switching on your headlights if they're needed."

Stay safe on the roads this winter:

• Concentrate and drive considerately at all times 
• Always wear a seatbelt and make sure all your passengers do 
• Never use your mobile phone when driving - it can distract you and it's illegal 
• Never drive if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs - this includes the morning after 
• Keep your distance from the vehicle in front - at least a two second gap 
• Other road users will make mistakes so be prepared and expect to encounter different road users such as cyclists, heavy goods vehicles and motorcyclists 
• Keep your vehicle safe and road worthy at all times 
• In icy weather only get in your car if your journey is absolutely essential and be prepared for every eventuality 
• Before each journey in severe weather clear any snow and ice from all windows, lights and number plates. 
• Make sure you can see clearly and be seen and clear snow from the roof of the car
• Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged - but don't use it while driving
• Take some food and a warm drink in a flask in case you get stuck and don't forget to take any personal medication

It's worth making these checks regularly - and particularly before a long winter journey: 

• Check and replace the anti-freeze in the radiator 
• Make sure your lights are clean and check the bulbs 
• Ensure your windscreen is clean 
• Replace the battery if it's not reliable 
• Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated and replace them before the tread has reached the legal minimum 

Put an emergency kit in the boot including: ice scraper and de-icer, torch and spare batteries, warm clothes and blankets for you and all passengers, first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel, road atlas, and sunglasses because the glare off snow can be dazzling.