Tayside Police are urging the motoring public to get ready for winter driving.
Along with other Scottish forces, Tayside is taking part in a campaign this weekend to ensure the roadworthiness of vehicles when the colder weather arrives.
The initiative coincides with the end of British summer time, when the clocks will go back an hour in the early hours of Sunday.
Sergeant Wattie Fraser of Tayside Police’s road policing department, said, “This campaign is primarily aimed at providing education and advice to the road user, and provides an opportunity to remind everyone that driving in the winter months demands their full attention.
Therefore, it is very important to avoid distractions.”
He said drivers should not use their mobile phones while driving and ensure that they and their passengers wear seat belts. Each of those offences carries a £60 penalty with a further three penalty points for a mobile phone offence.
He continued, “Whilst it is usual to think about snow and ice during the winter months there are a number of other factors which road users should take into account before considering or commencing a journey. For example, high winds, heavy rain and fog all affect journey times and should be considered prior to setting out.
“The grip of a vehicle may be reduced if mud, leaves and other debris are on the road surface. The sun sitting lower in the sky can be particularly difficult, especially if combined with a dirty windscreen.
“Ensuring that both you and your vehicle are ready for the road is an essential step towards keeping safe when using our roads. Make sure that you get your vehicle serviced and that the cooling system is topped up with anti-freeze.”Basic checksMotorists should top up the windscreen washer bottles with a suitable windscreen wash and wash the screen regularly. Keep lights clean as spray from the roadway will reduce the effectiveness of the beam and indicators.
Tyres should be correctly inflated with sufficient tread, ideally 3mm or more. Check and replace wiper blades if necessary and make sure windows and mirrors are kept clean and free of ice and snow in winter.
Windows should be fully demisted and de-iced before the vehicle is in motion. A low winter sun seriously hampers vision so also make sure sunglasses are at hand. It is also recommended that drivers keep essential pieces of equipment in their vehicles such as an ice scraper, a torch, and a shovel and also warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, battery jump leads, food and a warm drink for long journeys.
By adopting these measures, motorists will be prepared for the worst and it will help to maintain road safety.
Pedestrians and cyclists should wear light coloured clothing, ideally both fluorescent and reflective. Cyclists should also ensure they wear a helmet and that their bike has lights and reflectors.