WITH the nights drawing in and the weather getting colder, motorists are being reminded to make sure their vehicles are ready for the winter.

As part of its winter safety campaign, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) and the West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership are urging drivers to take extra precautions to keep themselves and other people on the roads safe.

The organisations are reminding owners to make sure their vehicles are fully serviced and tyres have good tread depth, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and make sure all ice and snow is cleared off windows, mirror, lights and the roof, event for short journeys.

Drivers are also advised to ensure they always have plenty of fuel and screen wash, check local news for the latest conditions on the road and ensure they have an emergency kit in case of breakdown with items including a torch, jump leads, a mobile phone charger, an ice scraper and a blanket.

Station Commander Alan Haley from HWFRS’s community safety department said firefighters are called to more road incidents than house fires every year.

“There are several factors to consider at this time of year,” he said. “Shorter daylight hours, the impact of the clocks moving back an hour and the forecast of colder and wetter weather – and each of these brings increased risks to road users.”