DRIVERS have been urged to make sure their cars are roadworthy, by the firefighters who must respond to the county's car crashes.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has highlighted road safety, pointing out that they are more likely to be called to a car crash than to a house fire.

Station Commander Stuart Crebbin from HWFRS’s community risk department said: “Our crews get called to more road incidents than we do house fires each year, and so promoting safe driving is a key part of our work.

“There are several factors to consider at this time of year – 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.”

Road safety is a key element of the fire service’s Winter Safety Campaign with firefighters working closely with the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia to highlight road safety throughout the year, particularly throughout the winter months.

Drivers are advised to:

• Ensure their vehicles are properly serviced and that tyres have good tread depth.

• Be mindful of keeping a safe distance from the car in front.

• Clear all ice and snow off windows, mirrors, lights and roof - even for short journeys.

• Be sure to have plenty of fuel and screen-wash to cope with any delays or diversions.

• Check local news/travel advice when colder weather/icy conditions are forecast.

• Prepare an ‘emergency kit’ for the car in case of break down or delay (to include an ice-scraper, torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, a first aid kit, battery jump leads, a shovel for snow, food & drink, and a mobile phone charger for the car).