Stay safe this winter – Road safety tips for everyone

With winter here and temperatures dropping, it’s more important than ever to stay safe on our roads. Dark mornings, early evenings, and icy conditions can make journeys more challenging, but road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Whether you’re behind the wheel, riding on two wheels, or travelling by foot, awareness goes a long way in preventing accidents and keeping everyone safe.

Drivers: Slow down and stay alert

Shorter days and unpredictable weather can make it harder to spot hazards and vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

• Keep windscreens and mirrors clear
• Check your lights are working
• On wet or icy roads, reduce your speed and increase your distance to other road users.

Cyclists: Be bright, bold and seen

Good lights and reflective clothing are essential this time of year; they help drivers spot you sooner.

• Watch for icy patches near kerbs and drains
• Don’t be afraid to take up space on the road
• Lower tyre pressure for better grip and take corners more slowly

Pedestrians: Stay seen and step carefully

If you’re walking after dark, reflective accessories or a light-coloured coat can help you be seen.

• Stick to well-lit areas where possible
• Cross at designated crossings

Our dedicated gritter drivers are on standby throughout the season. Gritting helps prevent ice and frost from forming on the roads, reducing the risk of accidents and keeping traffic flowing. When snow is forecast, our teams also grit to help stop it settling, making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go. However, even when the roads are gritted, extra care still needs to be taken.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for housing, infrastructure and transport says: “We all share the same space, so let’s look out for each other.”

“Drivers have a duty to look out for those more exposed; cyclists should make themselves visible and predicable, and pedestrians can help by staying alert and visible too By looking out for each other and following these simple steps, we can all help make our roads safer this winter.”