Firefighters plan to keep drivers safe this winter (From Northwich Guardian)

Firefighters plan to keep drivers safe this winter

8:30am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

WINTER driving safety events will be held in Northwich and Winsford in October.

Firefighters will be on hand to check drivers’ cars before the cold weather really sets in, including checking lights, wipers and tyres.

Windscreen company Auto Glass will be at each event to check windscreens and repair chips or small cracks and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service mechanics will show drivers how to check oil and water levels and explain the importance of maintaining these levels.

Each driver who has a vehicle check will receive a winter driving pack including safety leaflets, tyre pressure and depth gauges and screen wash.

The events are aimed at cutting the number of road traffic collisions that occur in the winter months.

Frances Egerton, one of the service's road safety officers, said: “It's all too easy to forget to keep an eye on basic car maintenance, especially on cold, dark mornings and evenings when we're busy getting to and from work or doing the school run.

“But in very poor weather a clean windscreen, working headlights and correct tyre pressure could mean the difference between staying safe and having a serious collision.

“It's also really important to remember to allow extra breaking time when driving in wet or icy conditions.”

Winter driving events will be held at Morrisons, in Winsford, from 10am to 3pm on October 9 and at B&Q in Northwich from 10am to 3pm on October 10.

For more information on safer driving during the winter months, visit cheshirefire.gov.uk/and click on ‘public safety' on the homepage.