Give feedback on this page

Clocks go back this weekend which means winter is just around the corner and Denbighshire residents are being reminded of the annual winter road safety warnings.

Denbighshire County Council is urging residents to be mindful of the dark nights and early mornings for all road users and pedestrians.

The key massage for parents is to help reduce the risks your child faces on the roads by teaching road safety and ensuring your children are wearing bright, high visibility clothing when out and about during the hours of darkness.

Last year across the UK, statistics showed

• Almost 5 children aged 0-3 were killed or seriously injured every week on the roads.
• Around 27 children aged 4-11 were killed or seriously injured every week on the roads.
• Young people aged 12-16 were most at risk of being killed or seriously injured as a pedestrian, cyclist or car passenger than any other age group.

CYCLISTS
Denbighshire urges people to follow advice from the Department of Transport
• Be visible. Ride well clear of the kerb, wear bright clothing and always use lights after dark or in poor weather conditions.
• Show drivers what you plan to do. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn.
• Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodging between them.
• Don't jump red lights.
• Don't ride on pavements.
• Don't ride the wrong way up one-way streets, unless there's a sign saying cyclists can.
• Don't ride across pedestrian crossings.

DRIVERS
• Keep the 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 bottles.
• 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.

When roads are icy or slushy

• It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Drive slowly, allowing extra room to slow down and stop.
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
• Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.
• 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.
• If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly.

Remember – be seen, be safe this winter.

Note to editors: For further information, please contact the Corporate Communications Team on 01824 706222/706125/706007.