Dorset Police and its partners are giving key safety
advice to its communities as a result of the weather currently
being experienced across the county.
Only travel when absolutely necessary. If you have to travel,
take sensible footwear rather than high heels for example, warm
clothing, blankets, a shovel, food and water. Ensure you carry
details of any recovery agency with you. Also ensure that your
vehicle is roadworthy for the conditions - tyres, windscreen
washers and wipers, lights, petrol, heater.
People should drive with extreme caution, even if the roads
appear gritted and moderate their driving to the road conditions -
keep their speed down, avoid harsh acceleration or braking and keep
a much greater distance between them and the vehicle in front as
stopping distances increase.
Winter driving – Key Messages from Dorset Police
Ensure
your vehicle is roadworthy for the conditions – check tyres,
windscreen washers and wipers, lights, petrol and heater- Ensure any snow or ice is cleared from your windscreen and
other windows before setting off
- In case of breakdown, carry warm clothing, a blanket and a
flask containing a hot drink
- Drive with extreme caution – even if the roads appear
gritted
- Drive according to the road conditions – keep speed down, avoid
harsh acceleration or braking and keep a greater distance between
you and the vehicle in front
- Drivers should maintain total concentration – do not rush,
allow plenty of time for your journey, always wear a seat belt and
do not be distracted by mobile phones while driving
- Fog lamps should only be illuminated in fog or falling
snow
- Do not leave your engine running and vehicle unattended while
you wait for it to de-ice
- Clear any snow from roofs and windows prior
to your journey. It can slip and obscure vision as it
defrosts.
- In addition to the above information and
advice, should people have no choice but to abandon their vehicles
due to the conditions, police are advising they are left as close
to the verge as is safe to do so or risk having them removed to
allow access for emergency vehicles and gritters.
Advice from our partners
'Staying safe this winter' - Advice from Dorset Fire
& Rescue Service (36kb PDF) >
'Useful information about keeping healthy during severe
winter weather' - Advice from NHS Bournemouth
& Poole (20kb PDF) >
'Top tips during extreme winter weather' -
Advice from the Borough of
Poole (32kb PDF) >