Motorists urged to prepare for winter!

POLICE are urging drivers across Warrington to ensure their cars are fit for driving as winter approaches.
They say motorists should ensure they give their cars a thorough check over within the next few weeks – to make sure they are ready to face ice, fog and snow.
Traffic Sergeant Neil Farnworth, of the Northern Area Specialist Investigation Unit, said: “The clocks are due to go
back this month and it is traditionally at this time of year that we see a rise in the number of collisions on the roads.
“Drivers need to ensure they are more than prepared for driving to and from work everyday in the dark and that their car has been thoroughly checked – including checking that the service history is up-to-date.
“Drivers need to be prepared for all types of weather in the Warrington area. Although we all know the weather
can start to change significantly at this time of year it always seems to come as a surprise to some drivers with many being caught out by fog, ice and snow as they embark on their normal day-to-day journeys.”
Drivers are urged to take a few simple steps to ensure their car is fit for driving in winter weather.
*Ensure that the service history is up-to-date
*Make sure your lights and brakes are working properly
*Check the pressure of the tyres and ensure that the coolant and oil levels are correct
*Keep the windscreen washer topped up so that you can clear the film of moisture that fog leaves
*Make sure your windscreen is clear before setting off on a journey – that will improve visibility considerably when fog comes down
*Allow plenty of time to de-ice your car thoroughly – scraping a few inches of frost away right in front of your eyes is not adequate enough – it is illegal and dangerous
*Ensure you put your fog lights on if conditions are bad enough – and remember to slow down and take care, especially at junctions
*Breaking down on the road is never a pleasant experience – make sure you have adequate breakdown cover.
Sergeant Farnworth added: “Drivers need to ensure they adjust to the changing conditions. Making sure that your car is fit for the road is one part of preparing for bad weather conditions but your own attitude as a driver is just as important.
“Drivers need to slow down if they are facing ice, fog or snow. If they have to drive more slowly, then they need to ensure they allow extra time to get to their destination.”