Drivers Caught Filming Collisions In Snow

29 November 2010, 15:22 | Updated: 29 November 2010, 15:41

Police have seen drivers filming road traffic collisions on their mobile phones. In difficult driving conditions, police say it is more important than ever that drivers stay in full control of their cars. They say filming crashes means people are distracted from watching the car in front.

Inspector Darren Elliot told Heart 'I don't personally understand it, but if any of my officers see people doing this they will be prosecuted. Its not in the best of tastes, and from the danger point of view as well, its doubly baffiling as to why people would do it.'

Its getting to that time of year when you need to be more careful when driving. Here some tips on safe driving this winter:

Make sure all your car lights are working and you have no failed bulbs. Ensure that dirt, salt and snow is cleared away from light fixtures.

Always ensure all windows are fully cleared of snow , frost and condensation before setting off on a journey - it is illegal to drive with obscured vision.

Also clear snow from the top of the car as this can fall down and obscure your windscreen while you are driving.

Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up as windscreens quickly become dirty from traffic spray and salt from the roads.

Make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey. Keep the fuel tank topped up.

Give yourself extra time for your journey and drive at a constant speed. Accept your journey will take longer and don't take risks.

Take a mobile telephone with you and make sure it is fully charged. Carry a mobile charger in the car.    

Police are asking, if you do get stuck in the snow stay with your car, but in an emergency if you do need to leave it, park it out of the main traffic route, where it won't cause an obstruction when conditions ease. Leave a contact number on the inside of the windscreen and return to your car at the first opportunity you have.