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[Vanda]

POLICE are helping drivers stay safe on the roads this winter by giving away free ice scrapers.
Officers will be visiting supermarkets around Gloucestershire tomorrow to give out the scrapers and urge drivers to “clear off before they drive off.”
The scrapers will be given away at the following supermarkets from 10am tomorrow:
 Tesco on Church Road Bishops Cleeve.
 Co-Op on Newerne Street, Lydney.
 Warner's Budgens on High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh.
 Morrisons on Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury.
Sergeant Lucy Smith from Gloucestershire Police’s roads policing unit urged drivers to be aware of poor driving conditions this winter.
“One of the most important things to do is to make sure you have a completely clear windscreen before you drive off,” she said.
“If your view is in any way obscured, be it because it’s misted up or it’s covered in ice or snow, then you put yourself and others in serious danger.
“You should clear the entirety if the windscreen, not just a small section the driver sees out of, as well as the side and rear windows.
“Drivers should scrape away any frost, ice or snow and use the air conditioning or heating to keep the glass mist free.
“In order to stay as safe as possible you should always consider the road conditions before you set out on a journey in winter.
“If the roads are particularly bad, you should consider whether your journey is really necessary.
“The highways authorities will take appropriate measures to keep roads treated and we will attend and assist people who get into serious difficulties, but it is important that we all do our bit to look after ourselves and our own safety.”
Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership have also suggested drivers follow these tips to keep themselves and other road users safe:
 Check your car is up to the journey, tyres are correctly inflated and in good condition, and that your lights are clean and working properly.
 Ensure anti-freeze has been added to the radiator and that screen wash is of sufficient concentration.
 Tell a friend or relative where you are going.
 Take a spade, flask of hot drink, torch, mobile phone (fully charged or with charger), blanket and appropriate outdoor clothing.
 Slow down on icy or snowy roads and leave a greater distance between you and the car in front.
 Check your route with organisations such as RAC Travel and AA Road Watch, and tune into local radio before you set out.
 If you get stuck in an isolated area, stay with your vehicle and remember that the engine should not be left running in deep snow as there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
 Use your mobile phone if you need to access the emergency services for help.
http://www.wiltsglos...morrow/?ref=rss

[doughnut]

All good advice, lets hope the councils get the roads gritted.