North Ayrshire drivers asked to prepare for winter weather

North Ayrshire Council has issued the call in an attempt to raise awareness of the steps drivers can take now to ensure they’re not caught out in the colder months.

The latest advice forms part of the Scottish Government’s ‘Ready Scotland’ campaign.

The campaign highlights the risks winter poses to homeowners, businesses, the wider community and those travelling, and offers advice on how to alleviate some of the risks.

North Ayrshire Council’s Road Safety Officer, Colin Kay, has taken the opportunity to offer his top tips to help prepare drivers, and their vehicles.

His top winter safety tips for this year include:

*Ensuring your vehicle is well prepared by having it fully serviced before winter starts and carrying out your own regular checks on the brakes, tyres, lights and making sure fluids are kept topped up.

*Planning your journeys in advance by checking local and national weather forecasts and making sure the condition of your route is safe to travel on.

*Keep an emergency kit in your car at all times. Useful items to have handy should you become stranded due to a snow storm or flood include a shovel, wellington boots, gloves, de-icing equipment, torch, blankets and tow rope.

Speaking about these precautionary measures, Colin said: “Driving in winter can be extremely dangerous given the extreme and often changing weather conditions such as snow, ice, rain, fog and long periods of darkness.

“We should all be well prepared for this hazardous weather.

“There are steps that drivers can take now to ensure they’re prepared for whatever winter has in store.

“Simple things like checking their car is in tip-top condition and packing some snow essentials into their boot may only take a few moments now, but could be a lifesaver should they be caught out on the roads during a spell of extreme weather.”

More information and guidance is available on the Ready Scotland website, which can be found at www.readyscotland.org.