Paramedics urge drivers to slow down as temperatures plummet (From Gazette Series)

Paramedics urge drivers to slow down as temperatures plummet

1:43pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Alexandra Womack

PARAMEDICS are warning drivers to take extra care in the freezing conditions, following an accident in Old Sodbury.

The incident, on the A46 this morning, only involved one car but was thought to have been caused by icy roads as temperatures dropped to minus seven degrees.

No-on was injured in the crash, which was one of eight paramedics were called to between 7am and 10am on Friday.

Other accidents were in Cirencester and Newent in Gloucestershire, Bedminster in Bristol and on the M5. Many of the collisions left people trapped in their vehicles and Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) crews worked alongside the fire service to assess and treat patients while they were being released.

GWAS is now warning motorists to take extra care on the roads as the big freeze continues.

The service urged people to prepare before setting out in freezing weather including checking the car’s fluids are full and everything is working, to pack emergency rations along with a tow rope, shovel and warm clothes. It also advises drivers to slow down, plan an alternative route and if you do break down in snow don’t leave your vehicle.