999 crews’ reminder about slippery roads and pavements as freeze returns to region.
Milton Keynes’ ambulance service is reminding the city’s drivers and pedestrians to take extra care as zero temperatures look set to return.
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) has issued the warning after they saw a significant number of 999 calls this week, following the first time temperatures dipped below freezing overnight this winter.
As the mercury fell as low as -4C in parts of the South Central region overnight midweek, SCAS says it saw a rise in the number of emergency calls for accidents on the region’s roads as drivers, cyclists and pedestrians were caught out by black ice.
The incidents included motorcyclists and cyclists hitting patches of ice and coming off their bikes in Banbury, Milton Keynes and Oxford; cars coming off the road in Gerrards Cross, Kings Sutton and Milton Keynes; and pedestrians slipping and falling across the region.
Temperatures are forecast to fall again across the region next week.
“With the first sub-zero temperatures of winter arriving overnight, we would urge all drivers and pedestrians to take extra care when travelling this winter,” said Kirsten Willis-Drewett, assistant director of operations for the Thames Valley at SCAS.
“Whether you’re on four wheels or two, tyre grip is severely reduced on icy roads and stopping distances are much longer. Always check weather reports and get the latest information on the likelihood of ice on the road, before you set out, and take extra care – reducing your speed especially when cornering – and leaving plenty of room and time to brake safely.
"If you’re walking on a cold, winter’s morning, make sure you’ve got suitable footwear with good grip, wrap up warm, don’t rush and avoid any obvious icy patches on pavements or pathways.
“With the NHS facing its most challenging winter on record, anything the public can do to minimise the risks of an avoidable emergency would be greatly appreciated.”
