Cleveland Fire Brigade is gearing up to launch its Winter Road Safety Campaign with free check-ups aimed at helping the region’s motorists and cyclists to stay safe this winter.
The winter months bring extra challenges for road users and the Brigade is encouraging drivers and cyclists to plan ahead to be ready for these changes so they stay safe during winter journeys on our roads.
FREE Winter Vehicle Safety Check dates to remember
The first Winter Vehicle Safety Check Drop-in took place at Coulby Newham Community Fire Station on Saturday 16 November between 10am and 3pm. The Brigade will team up with National Tyres & Autocare, Derek Campbell Exhaust & Tyre Centre and Middlesbrough Borough Council to carry out vehicle checks.
Last year 52% of the vehicles checked at Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Winter Road Vehicle Safety Check Drop-ins had one or more defects. The two-minute drive-thru checks include tyres, lights, wipers, fluid levels and washer bottles. Motorists will also receive a free ice scraper and winter vehicle checklist to help them prepare for the change of seasons.
Hartlepool Community Fire Station will host a second Winter Safety Check Drop-in on Saturday 30 November between 11am and 3pm. The event is organised in collaboration with Tyre Spot Autocentres, Stag Tyres and Hartlepool Borough Council. Along with vehicle checks and free giveaways, this drop-in will include winter safety advice for cyclists, free bike lights (while stocks last) and the chance to win a free bike service including £30 parts courtesy of Hartlepool Cycle Clinic.
Andrew Bright, Learn and Live Co-ordinator with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “In 2018/19 Cleveland Fire Brigade attended 321 road traffic collisions. We know that serious incidents can often be prevented by taking precautions, so we’re urging drivers – don’t wreck it, prepare it, check it. Drivers can drop in to one of our Winter Vehicle Safety Check Drop-in to make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter weather conditions.
“Along with checking vehicles, we are also asking drivers to check weather forecast and reports on road conditions before they set off. When conditions are poor, consider delaying non-essential journeys until roads are clearer or have been treated. If you do have to travel make sure you have clear visibility before setting off, give yourself extra time, keep your distance and keep your speed down. Don’t forget to keep a winter kit in your vehicle too. An ice scraper, de-icer, warm clothes and boots plus sunglasses, which can be very useful to aid visibility when the winter sun is low.”
What to include in your winter car kit:
Blankets, boots, first aid kit, shovel, a road atlas, torch, sunglasses, phone charger and water.
For more information please visit: www.clevelandfire.gov.uk
You must be logged in to post a comment.