|
|
Information Sheet
December 2023
December 2023
Winter driving and some Christmas safety advice
Time to think and help.
This time of year is the time to think of yourself and others even more. The clocks have gone back, mornings and evenings are darker, and days are colder and wetter.
- Can you be seen easily when walking? Wear something bright if possible to help stay safe.
- Can you see clearly through the weather with low light and in the dark when driving?
- Keep your windows clear.
- Are your screen washers and wipers working correctly?
- Drive at the correct speed for the conditions.
- Use the correct lights on your car, are all your lights working?
- Check what lights you are legally supposed to use, when to use front and rear fog lights etc. See help below.
- Think more about your braking and accelerating.
- Don’t overestimate your ability or become impatient, there are others to consider.
- Are your tyres fit for purpose?
- Be prepared to give assistance and be sure that you stay safe when doing so.
- Always carry a First Aid kit and learn how to use it.
- Have you got a “space”/foil blanket and other cold weather accessories in your car. If someone is cold do not give alcohol, they need warmth.
- Hypothermia is ever present as Winter approaches.
Here is a short reminder about the vehicle lighting rules which are between Rule 226 and Rule 236 in The Highway Code
Lights on your vehicle:-
Rule 226 of The Highway Code
The Highway Code (Rule 226) states: "You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves."
Rule 236 of The Highway Code
Rule 236 of the Highway Code explains: "You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. "You MUST switch them off when visibility improves."
You can also refer to The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989. Link HERE opens in a new window.
Alcohol and your body
There are many factors involved with how your body deals with alcohol. Also the numerous alcoholic drinks that are now available are of varying strengths making it impossible to say whether you are safe to drive even after one drink. Also, alcohol thins the blood, which adds to the risk of hypothermia in cold weather. The best advice is to stay clear of alcoholic drinks if you are driving, or organise a different way of getting home such as:
Residual alcohol will still be in your body the morning after you have had a drink, so you could still be over the drink drive limit if you drive.
Drug driving
The same message applies to drugs, and it's not just illegal drugs we're talking about. Many medications supplied on prescription or over the counter, warn of drowsiness and tell you not to operate machinery, which obviously includes motor vehicles.
There are five roadside tests officers can perform if they suspect a driver has been taking drugs. People who haven’t taken drugs will find the tests simple to complete but those who struggle will be taken to the police station for further tests.
Even without medication, it's said that a person who is suffering the symptoms of flu will have the reactions and abilities of a driver who is drunk. If you are feeling ill, it has got to be worth paying for a taxi or asking a friend or relative to transport you - to ensure you don't put lives at risk.
There are many factors involved with how your body deals with alcohol. Also the numerous alcoholic drinks that are now available are of varying strengths making it impossible to say whether you are safe to drive even after one drink. Also, alcohol thins the blood, which adds to the risk of hypothermia in cold weather. The best advice is to stay clear of alcoholic drinks if you are driving, or organise a different way of getting home such as:
- Calling one of the many taxi firms in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire
- Catching a bus
- Relying on a designated driver
Residual alcohol will still be in your body the morning after you have had a drink, so you could still be over the drink drive limit if you drive.
Drug driving
The same message applies to drugs, and it's not just illegal drugs we're talking about. Many medications supplied on prescription or over the counter, warn of drowsiness and tell you not to operate machinery, which obviously includes motor vehicles.
There are five roadside tests officers can perform if they suspect a driver has been taking drugs. People who haven’t taken drugs will find the tests simple to complete but those who struggle will be taken to the police station for further tests.
Even without medication, it's said that a person who is suffering the symptoms of flu will have the reactions and abilities of a driver who is drunk. If you are feeling ill, it has got to be worth paying for a taxi or asking a friend or relative to transport you - to ensure you don't put lives at risk.
Thinking of others is something we should all be familiar with in many things that we do. Everyone, including you, could need help at some time. If you see someone who looks as though they need help – ask, don’t just walk past. If you know someone who might need help – ask them! A conversation and a cup of tea might be all that's needed, but it could mean such a lot to that person.
To learn more about Hypothermia and other problems that could affect you or anyone at any time contact Life Saving Solutions Limited and be the person that can help themselves and, just as importantly, others.
Please do not forget your home safety particularly during the Christmas period. Kitchens-stairs and bathrooms are the highest risk areas.
Kitchens
Doors on the high cupboards left open. Pans left with handles left over the front edges of hobs/cookers. Flexes hanging loose. Lifting small children to look into boiling pans etc.
Stairs
Running up and down. Playing on them. Passing on them. Be careful when carrying trays or other items.
Bathrooms
Slipping on wet floors (wet room etc) For the old or young, when filling a bath never put in HOT water first, put in cold water and then warm it up. Be careful of the depth of water in a bath and the possibility of sliding under.
To learn more about Hypothermia and other problems that could affect you or anyone at any time contact Life Saving Solutions Limited and be the person that can help themselves and, just as importantly, others.
Please do not forget your home safety particularly during the Christmas period. Kitchens-stairs and bathrooms are the highest risk areas.
Kitchens
Doors on the high cupboards left open. Pans left with handles left over the front edges of hobs/cookers. Flexes hanging loose. Lifting small children to look into boiling pans etc.
Stairs
Running up and down. Playing on them. Passing on them. Be careful when carrying trays or other items.
Bathrooms
Slipping on wet floors (wet room etc) For the old or young, when filling a bath never put in HOT water first, put in cold water and then warm it up. Be careful of the depth of water in a bath and the possibility of sliding under.
