Drivers in the East Riding are being urged to take extra care as temperatures drop below freezing, causing potentially icy conditions on the roads.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s gritting lorries will be out treating the precautionary road network with rock salt from 5pm this evening before temperatures plummet overnight, in some areas dropping to -4’C.
The gritting lorries will be out again tomorrow morning from 4am to treat the network before the morning rush hour.
But rain expected around 6am may cause added problems, washing away the salt and making the road surface more slippery.
So the council is urging motorists to take extra care and is issuing advice to drivers to help them stay safe.
Mike Featherby, the council’s head of streetscene services, said: “Our gritting team will be out in force tonight and tomorrow morning to make the roads as safe as possible.
“But because of the icy conditions expected drivers do need to take extra care, plan their journey in advance and allow extra time for travel.”
The council is issuing the following advice to help residents drive safely during winter conditions:
Driving on ice and slush:
• Drive slowly using the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
• Manoeuvre gently, avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
• When slowing down, get into a low gear as early as possible and allow your speed to reduce using the brake pedal gently.
• Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front. Remember, in these conditions it can take 10 times longer to stop than on a dry road.
Driving in winter sun:
• Dazzle from the winter sun is an underestimated hazard. Carry sunglasses to help reduce the glare.
Driving in fog:
• Drive slowly using dipped headlights or fog lights.
• Do not drive too closely to the vehicle in front.
• Do not speed up if the fog suddenly lifts, it drifts rapidly and is often patchy.
In difficult conditions:
• Do not drive unless you absolutely need to.
• Check weather forecasts and travel information.
• If possible, tell someone when you expect to arrive.
• Make sure you are equipped for your journey with warm clothing, food, a torch, a shovel, water, boots, a hazard warning triangle and a fully charged hands free mobile phone.
