South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) are urging people to take extra care this weekend due to the yellow snow warning issued by Met Office.
These warnings are in place from 12.00 Saturday 4 January until 09.00 Monday 6 January and indicate the chance of snow, ice and cold temperatures across the region. This is likely to create difficult driving conditions which increases the number of road traffic collisions and emergency call outs to the ambulance service.
Kirsten Willis-Drewett, assistant director of operations for the Thames Valley at SCAS advises people to ‘think carefully about braking distances and keeping further away from the car in front of you’. She also warned ‘against rushing around in the cold weather and asked people to take extra care when travelling’.
It is also vital that you completely clear all ice, snow and mist from your car before setting off. Reduced visibility is one of the leading causes of car accidents in bad weather. The highway code states you need to be able see out of every glass panel on your car, and you can be fined if this is not followed.
Incidents also commonly involve pedestrians and cyclists too, especially when black ice has caught people out and they’ve slipped. Ice can prevent cars, bikes and people from having any grip, so it’s important to move slowly, especially around corners, and brake early to avoid skidding.
It’s also a good idea to be prepared in case of an accident. Pack warm layers and blankets in the car, dress up warmly if walking outside, and consider charging up phones and torches if needed in an emergency.
With the NHS under increased pressure at the moment, every precaution you can take to minimise an avoidable emergency would be greatly appreciated, and allow our ambulance crews to respond more quickly to patients facing a serious or life-threatening emergency.
You can find more tips on driving safely in winter weather on both the RAC website and the AA website.