Widespread frost and tricky driving conditions have prompted police in Herts to issue a ‘let’s be careful out there’ call to motorists.
Experts have drawn up a list of essential safer driving tips along with ways to keep your car secure when de-icing.
Safe and secure driving tips
l Frost-free - ALWAYS ensure your windscreen and other windows are fully de-iced and de-misted before moving off. Driving without clear visibility is not only illegal but puts you, pedestrians and other road users at risk. It’s worth the few minutes it takes to prepare your car properly.
l Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition and make sure you have plenty of washer fluid.
l Slow down - make sure you adjust your driving to the conditions of the road. Sometimes it is about driving less than the legal limit and try to keep steering smooth and avoid braking sharply where possible.
l Check your tyres are correctly inflated and have good tyre tread (and remember the absolute minimum legal limit for cars is 1.6mm).
l Be smart - stay with your vehicle and never leave it unattended with the keys in the ignition, even for a second, when de-icing the windows. Thieves are opportunistic - don’t give them a free ride.
l Register your sat nav - you can register your sat nav and other valuables for free at www.immobilise.com. It helps police return any recovered items to you if they are lost or stolen and serves as a deterrent to potential criminals - as well as helping police to catch those responsible.
For more advice on how to keep you, your family and your possessions safe and secure, visit www.herts.police.uk.
