Cumbrian communities urged to take care as wintry conditions continue

Local communities are being urged to look out for one another and take extra care as the winter weather looks set to continue.

Police and partner agencies including Highways, Fire Service, Health Service and Local Authorities have attended a meeting at Police Headquarters today to discuss the county’s response to the adverse weather.

The Met Office has warned that the snow and icy conditions look set to continue into the weekend so the group has advised motorists to drive to the conditions and only drive if they feel it is safe to do so.

On Friday a belt of rain is due in from the West. Due to the cold weather this may freeze on contact with roads and pavements which will create particularly treacherous conditions so take extra care when out and about after rainfall.

Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham, who chaired the group, said: ”The winter weather has led to treacherous road conditions in many areas of the county, so we are asking everyone to take additional care when they are out and about.

“We are working hard with our partners to maintain the safety of the public and responding to emergency calls but are reminding drivers of the steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe on the roads.

“For those who intend to take to the fells this weekend please ensure you are fully equipped with winter walking equipment. Only experienced winter walkers should consider taking to higher ground. Those going sledging or walking in lower lying areas should also dress to the conditions and let people know where they have gone and when they will be back.

“Under no circumstances should people attempt walking on frozen rivers, lakes or any other bodies of water.”

Police are also urging members of the public to look out for one another and take extra care when heading out on foot in the hours of darkness after two elderly people died in their gardens this week.

Officers were called to a house on Pinfold Street, Workington at 10:40am yesterday (Wednesday 1/12/10) after 80-year-old Lillian Jenkinson died in her back garden. An investigation is underway into the circumstances of her death however initial indications would suggest Mrs Jenkinson may have fallen in her garden overnight before she died. On Tuesday 30 November an elderly man was found dead in his garden in Kirkby Stephen and officers are now investigating whether a fall or medical episode may have contributed to his death.

ACC Graham added: “The severe winter weather which has gripped the county has made many outdoor areas hazardous so we are reminding everyone to take extra care, particularly in the hours of darkness when visibility is poor.

“Please make sure you wrap up warm and wear appropriate clothing and footwear if you do need to venture outside, even for a few minutes. Two elderly people have tragically died in their gardens in the last week and we know they were closely supported by family and neighbours, however not everyone has that support. So I would ask everyone to keep an eye out for vulnerable people in their community, particularly those who are elderly and live alone.”

Safety advice for motorists

Plan your journey in advance:

• Check local and national weather forecasts and tune into local radio stations to check on road conditions

and closures

• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive and ensure you have a charged mobile phone with you

• Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade

• Clear your windows and mirrors fully before you set off and carry a screen scraper and de-icer

If you have an accident, break-down or become stuck in bad weather conditions:

• Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make the call

• On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone because the emergency services and breakdown recovery services will be able to locate you easily. If you have to use a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder

• If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you

Vehicle maintenance:

• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow

• Keep your battery fully charged

• Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer

• Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order

• Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure. Consider changing to high performance winter tyres.

Drive according to weather conditions:

• Allow extra time and distance to brake as it can take ten times longer to stop in wet or icy conditions

• Adapt your driving behaviour. Keep in mind the decreased visibility and changing road conditions.

• Slow down and avoid sudden or jerky movements are all vital to safe winter driving

• When driving on ice or snow use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin

• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently

• Be wary of satellite navigation systems as they tend to direct you over high rural roads that are likely to be closed or particularly hazardous in winter

• Do not assume that pedestrians have seen you. They may be elderly, young or not be able to hear you

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads if the water seems too deep

• Drive slowly through water in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling

• Test your brakes when you have driven through a flood before you drive again at normal speed

If you would like to speak to an officer about how best to stay safe on the county’s roads please contact Cumbria Roads Policing Unit on 0845 33 00 247. In an emergency always call 999.