Hampshire Constabulary

The Safer Roads strategy also focuses on driver behaviour, educating motorists to make roads safer. 

Advice for drivers in heavy rain/flooded areas

Advice for driving in snow/ice

Advice for driving in foggy conditions

Bikesafe

Download the Safer Roads Leaflet

Community SpeedWatch

Advice for driving in heavy rain / flooded areas

• Driving in rain means a driver’s stopping distance will double on a wet road. Motorists should ensure that they maintain a safe distance and slow to a safe speed, as there will be a reduction in tyre grip.
• If steering is suddenly unresponsive then it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road surface properly, so brake slowly and gently in order to slow down.  
• Rain and spray from other vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen. Drivers should therefore keep well back from the vehicle in front, and maintain a safe distance.  
• On flooded roads, don’t attempt to cross the water if it is too deep. Drive slowly in first gear and keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch. This will also stop you from stalling.  
• Avoid the deepest water, normally nearest the curb, and remember to test your brakes after you drive through water by pressing down on the brake pedal gently.

Advice for driving in snow and ice

• Snow and ice can make driving treacherous, so try and manoeuvre gently and avoid any harsh braking or acceleration.  
• Drive in the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, and allow extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. 
• It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than in dry, fine weather, so drive slowly. 
• If you do have to brake on snow or ice then get into a lower gear, earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.
• If you start to skid then ease off the accelerator, but do not brake suddenly.
• Take a few minutes to prepare your vehicle before you set off on your journey. Make sure you clear all windscreens and windows and drive carefully. 
• Always tell someone where you are going, and make sure that you keep essential items in your car in case of a breakdown such as; a blanket, some warm clothing, a hot drink and a torch. 
•  Winter sun is also extremely bright and dazzling, so always keep a pair of sunglasses in the car and on long journeys ensure you take regular breaks as tiredness can kill.   
• Check the condition of your vehicle  
• You should also ensure that your lights, mirrors and windows are all kept clean and free from snow and ice.  
• Ensure that snow is cleared from the roof of any vehicle, otherwise it will cascade onto the vehicle behind.  
• Keep your battery charged, add anti-freeze to the radiator during winter months and make sure your windscreen wipers are in good working order  
• Finally, ensure that your tyres are kept to the correct pressure and check them regularly.

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Advice for driving in fog

• In foggy conditions motorists should remember to drive slowly using dipped headlights.  
• Use fog lights if visibility continues to be seriously reduced, but remember to switch them off when visibility improves.  
• Keep a good, safe distance behind the vehicle in front, and be aware of other drivers who don’t use headlights, as they will be harder to see.  
• Don’t hang onto the tail lights of the vehicle in front. Getting too close can give you a false sense of security.  
• Try to avoid speeding up too quickly, even if the fog seems to be clearing. You could find yourself in the middle of dense fog.  
• If visibility is less than 30 metres, then drive at less than 20mph.

Enforcement is targeted against impaired drivers, whether through drink or drugs, and the Roads Policing Unit will also support the other Safer campaigns by using technology to deny criminals the use of the road network.

Specific campaigns are run on teenage road safety, mobile phone laws, driver tiredness, the requirement to wear seat belts, fit child car seat belts and reduce speed, as well as drink and drug driving.

The law on mobile phones and driving. Find out how the laws on using mobile phones and driving affect you.

BikeSafe and Edge44

The Roads Policing Unit has previously worked with Hampshire County Council in reducing the unacceptable number of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured on the roads of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  In 2003 there were 33 fatal collisions involving motorcycles across the two counties.  Thanks to the national accident-prevention project BikeSafe, supported by the local Edge44 partnership, we managed to reduce this figure by 70 per cent in 2004. 

BikeSafe is an initiative run by the police that aims to lower the number of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents.  Police motorcyclists can help other riders by passing on their knowledge and skills to help increase every motorcyclist's confidence and ability on the roads.

Edge44, in conjunction with BikeSafe, is Hampshire's very own road safety initiative for motorcyclists. High-visibility police patrols can regularly be seen on roads that are considered to be routes of concern. These include the A339 (Alton to Basingstoke), the A272 (Winchester to Petersfield), the A32 (Fareham to Alton), the A3057 (Romsey to Andover) and the A3055 on the Isle of Wight.  It is hoped that this police presence will slow motorcyclists down and prevent accidents occurring. More information about BikeSafe is available on our website or at www.bikesafe.co.uk. 

To find out more about Safer Roads, download our leaflet here (.pdf, 319KB).