South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is reminding drivers and pedestrians to take extra care after seeing a significant number of emergency 999 calls following the first time temperatures have dipped below freezing overnight this winter.
With the mercury falling to as low as -4C in parts of the South Central region overnight on Wednesday-Thursday (27-28 November), SCAS has seen a rise in the number of emergency calls for accidents on the region’s roads this morning as drivers, cyclists and pedestrians have been caught out by ice and black ice.
By 10:00am (28 November), there had been 20 calls received at the clinical co-ordination centres in Bicester and Otterbourne reporting collisions or falls where ice had, or was suspected to have, played a part in causing the emergency.
The incidents included motorcyclists and cyclists hitting patches of ice and coming off their bikes in Banbury, Milton Keynes and Oxford; cars coming off the road in Gerrards Cross, Kings Sutton and Milton Keynes; and pedestrians slipping, falling and injuring themselves in Oxford, Eton and Carterton.
Kirsten Willis-Drewett, assistant director of operations for the Thames Valley at SCAS, said: “With the first sub-zero temperatures of winter arriving overnight, we would urge all drivers and pedestrians to take extra care when travelling this winter.”
“Whether you’re on four wheels or two, tyre grip is severely reduced on icy roads and stopping distances are much longer. Always check weather reports and get the latest information on the likelihood of ice on the road, before you set out, and take extra care – reducing your speed especially when cornering, and leaving plenty of room and time to brake safely.”
“If you’re walking on a cold, winter’s morning, make sure you’ve got suitable footwear with good grip, wrap up warm, don’t rush and avoid any obvious icy patches on pavements or pathways.”
“With the NHS facing its most challenging winter on record, anything the public can do to minimise the risks of an avoidable emergency would be greatly appreciated.”
You can find more tips on driving safely in winter weather at the RAC website and AA website.