Yorkshire Ambulance Service warn drivers to prepare for Christmas journeys
It's as research suggests almost half don't feel comfortable driving in the winter months
Emergency services in Yorkshire are warning drivers to properly prepare for heading out onto our roads this festive season.
Ambulance workers say too many people set off without checking their vehicle or planning their route.
It's as a survey suggests nearly half of drivers from Yorkshire & Humber do not feel comfortable driving during the dark winter months, yet almost 70% fail to check their headlights and brake lights before getting behind the wheel.
Almost 80% don’t tell someone where they are going before heading out on a drive.
Almost a quarter wouldn’t feel confident describing their location to a 999 operator if they had an emergency or breakdown along the motorway.
Harry Barden is an associate ambulance practitioner with Yorkshire Ambulance service based in Barnsley.
He says it can be very challenging when people don't know where they are:
"It's extremely frustrating. Sometimes you feel like you're driving around in circles, going back on yourself, trying to find someone and when you know that there's somebody that's potentially in need of immediate medical attention and it can be really frustrating."
"Sometimes even seconds is the difference between life and death, especially with serious road traffic incidents. So, it is really important that we get there as soon as possible and we know that we're going to the right place."
Advice for winter driving
"First of all, if you don't really need to travel in adverse weather conditions, try not to stay at home and if you definitely need to travel, plan your journey. Planning and preparation are key. Look at your route, check the weather forecast, let people know where you're going and try and then write some road names as well if you can along your route."
"So even if you're relying on the sat nav, try and learn your route and if that fails, you still might be able to find your way. I'd also say it's really important to check your vehicle. Ensure you've got enough fuel for the length of your journey."