Why drivers should clock this road safety advice

West Sussex County Council are uring drivers to pay special attention to pedestrians and cyclists as it becomes darker earlier.

Other items on their Roadwise agenda for the winter months include:

It can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road, so allow extra room to slow down.

Ensure that your vehicle is well maintained and serviced.

Check your tyre tread depth and pressures.

Keep the lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow. Keep a bottle of water and a rag in the boot to clean them if you need to.

Make sure your washer bottle is topped up with screenwash.

Use dipped headlights and reduce your speed in heavy rain, sleet or snow.

Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.

Be aware of the dangers of driving through standing water.

If you do get into trouble while driving, stop somewhere safe and switch off your engine before using your mobile phone. If you are on a motorway, use the nearest emergency roadside telephone, as the emergency services will be able to locate you more quickly, or if you use a mobile phone check your location from the marker posts at the side of the road.

Consider having a reflective waistcoat in the car in case of emergencies.

For longer journeys make sure that you have spare warm clothes, food, boots and a torch.

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "It may seem basic advice, but it is surprising how many drivers do not take weather and light conditions into account."

For more advice for drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, see the the Roads and Transport pages of the county council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk.