This article was published on January 14, 2013 and information contained within may now be out of date.
The gritters are out, as bad weather conditions hit Lincolnshire.
An amber weather warning is in place as snow falls across Lincolnshire.
The County Council’s gritters are ready for the conditions with 23,600 tonnes of salt in stock, and a further 5,000 tonnes to arrive in the near future. During the bad winter of 2009/10 the Council used 34,000 tonnes in total.
Motorists however are reminded to drive to the conditions, to take care even on treated roads and to allow plenty of time for their journeys.
Here is a check list you should consider before driving in any bad weather conditions:
Check:
local and national radio for travel information and weather forecasts allowing extra time for your journey if necessary
the gritting routes map to avoid travelling on untreated roads
all lights are clean and working properly
all windows and mirrors are clear from frost and snow and are clean
In extreme conditions ask yourself:
is your journey essential?
have you checked the weather forecast and road conditions and carefully considered the advice given?
have you a full fuel tank?
does anybody know where you are going and when you hope to arrive?
would taking warm clothing, hot drinks, food, wellingtons, a torch and shovel be a wise precaution?
Check You:
are travelling with care on both treated and untreated roads and reduce speed accordingly
take particular care when leaving or joining untreated roads at junctions
are you using dipped headlights in poor visibility and snow
are driving in the highest gear possible and avoid harsh breaking and acceleration
are maintaining a safe stopping distance behind other vehicles bearing in mind the prevailing conditions
are keeping a careful watch on other road users and especially cyclists and children
are not obstructing winter maintenance vehicles as they treat the roads
If you get into trouble:
stay with your vehicle if possible until help arrives
if you do have to leave your vehicle make yourself visible to other road users
if you are forced to abandon your vehicle give the local police the details
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