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As the Winter months continue and we experience cold weather, the council’s Road Safety Team remind drivers to take extra precautions, as adverse weather can significantly increase the risk of road traffic collisions. We advise drivers...
Before you drive:
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Clear your car -remove all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof (it can fall and obstruct vision).
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Check tyres: ensure they have good tread depth (use the 20p test) and correct pressure. Check tyres have sufficient tread, including the spare, and that each tyre has the correct tyre pressure for the vehicle and its intended use. For advice on tyre safety click here.
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Check cooling systems contain the correct amount of antifreeze/engine coolant.
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Check fuel levels – have at least a quarter of a tank for those unexpected delays.
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Test wipers and washers are functioning correctly.
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Check the vehicle’s lights – check the condition and operation of both internal and external lights.
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Prepare yourself - wear dry, comfortable shoes and avoid driving if unwell or on drowsy medication.
If the weather is bad or forecast to deteriorate the best way to stay safe is to avoid driving if you can.
If you really need to drive, then:
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Plan your route: allow extra time, plan routes around major roads which are more likely to be cleared and gritted and check traffic reports.
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Clear all snow, ice and condensation from your windows, mirrors, vehicle lights, number plates and roof.
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Slow down: stopping distances can be 10 times longer on ice.
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Increase space: leave huge gaps between you and the car in front to maintain a safe stopping distance.
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Use higher gears: this helps prevent wheel spin; some automatics have a winter mode or allow selecting second gear to start.
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Avoid harsh braking and acceleration. brake before a bend, not during.
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Remember lights - use dipped headlights in poor visibility and snow and use rear fog lights only when necessary and switch them off when the fog clears.
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Be extra vigilant - look out for other road users - pedestrians, cyclists and children will be harder to spot when there is reduced visibility.
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Pack essentials: carry warm clothes, a blanket, food, water, a torch, a fully charged phone, and a shovel/sand/cat litter for traction.
If you do get stuck in snow or ice, straighten the steering wheel and clear the snow from your wheels. Put something like an old rug in front of the wheels to give the tyres some grip.
In the event of difficulties, stay with your vehicle if possible until help arrives – and if you must leave your vehicle, make yourself visible to other road users.
The National Highways website also provides some useful information to support road users to stay safe during bad weather. More information can be found on their website: www.nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/trip/
New Road Safety Strategy
The government has announced its first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, with a plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.
They are committed to doing what it takes to save thousands of lives and ease pressure on the NHS. Their new Road Safety Strategy is a major step towards safer roads and stronger communities.
Key points are highlighted in the image below. The strategy can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/road-safety-strategy
**FREE** Child car seat community checking events – Ilkley, Keighley and Bradford
We have teamed up with the Good Egg Safety CIC and will be supporting them with their child car seat community checking service, which is completely free! No appointment needed – just turn up between the stated times.
It takes a few minutes and is a great opportunity for parents and carers to speak to a trained expert and make sure their child is travelling safely.
A range of partners will also have presence across the dates including the council’s Area Office, Fire Service, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Family Hubs and Tyre Safe, who will be there to promote their work.
Pop down to say “hi”, get your child’s car seat checked out and learn more about road safety, council and other services.
All events take place from 10am until 3pm and are as follows:
Thursday 12th February, 2026 - South Hawksworth Street Car Park, Ilkley. LS29 9DX
Friday 6th March, 2026 - The Rockwell Community Centre, 6 Summerfield Road, Bradford. BD10 8DP
Friday 13th March, 2026 - The Leisure Centre Keighley, Hard Ings Road, Victoria Park View, Keighley. BD21 3JN
Further events and information can be found on the West Yorkshire Vision Zero website: Child car seat checking events
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