PSNI release 'Winter Safety Leaflet'

The Police Service of Northern Ireland are marking the approach of winter with a straightforward message for drivers - a few simple safety measures could save your life.

A leaflet, highlighting such measures, has been launched today in a bid to help save the lives of road users as well as coinciding with the beginning of national Tyre Safety Week.

The PSNI hopes to hammer home the message through the specially designed winter safety leaflet, as part their commitment to road safety education.

The publication of the leaflet also comes with the warning that the educational approach will, as usual, be backed up with police enforcement.

Superintendent Bill Brown, head of the Police Service's Road Policing Development Branch, today said: "We all know the four big road safety messages. If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with more care and attention then fewer people would be killed or seriously injured on our roads.

"But there also are a number of simple but effective things that motorists can do. They may seem small but they can have a very big impact on safety. And this is particularly relevant as we move into the darker days of autumn and winter. We have produced a special safety leaflet containing some helpful information and advice. Police will use it widely across Northern Ireland.”

Superintendent Brown continued: "This is Tyre Week and tyres can be the barrier between life and death so it is important to make sure that they are in good condition. It is vital that there is at least 1.6 mm of tread on each tyre. Motorists should check their tyres regularly.

"But today we also want to remind drivers as we move into winter that tyres are only one aspect of driving safely. People should have their vehicles checked fully before the onset of the cold weather and dark evenings. Lights and wipers should be in working order. Remember the clocks go back this weekend. Windscreen washers should be kept topped up. And you should always have some system for de-icing windscreens. Seatbelts should be worn at all times. Slow down. And never, ever drink and drive."

(EF/KMcA)