Police Scotland have confirmed over 20 separate incidents occurred during this cold frosty morning.
Following a number of minor collisions on the Tayside roads network this morning, Police Scotland is urging motorists to be aware of road and weather conditions and adapt their driver behaviour accordingly.
More than 20 separate incidents were reported to police in the Tayside area overnight and beyond 9am, the majority of which were in Perthshire. All were relatively minor and no injuries were reported, although there was some congestion on the roads network at peak time this morning as a result.
Road surfaces were said to be affected by black ice in many of the incidents and drivers are reminded that unseen ice can be a significant challenge when temperatures drop and the road surface is wet.
A road may appear to be completely clear of snow or ice, but there could be unseen ice on the road’s surface.
December has seen temperatures fluctuate between the unseasonably mild and decidedly cold and this seems set to continue in the short term. But other factors should be considered when venturing, such as the wind chill which plays its part, particularly across open rural areas.
Anyone who is driving, particularly in the colder overnight and early morning conditions must take the utmost care and ensure that they are driving according to the conditions around them.
In icy conditions drivers should have the following information and advice in mind –
* Increase the gap between your vehicle and the one in front.
* On slippery roads it can take up to 10 times longer to stop.
* Reduce your speed and allow more time to slow down. Stop by decelerating earlier, rather than rely on braking alone.
* Drive with care even if you think the roads have been treated.
* Use dipped headlights so you can see and be seen.
* If visibility is extremely poor (less than 100 metres visibility) then use fog lights, but switch them off whenever conditions improve or they will cause undue dazzle, which is an offence.
* Take care on flooded roads. The deepest water is usually nearest the kerb, select first gear and move forward immediately to avoid stalling the engine, while maintaining high engine revs.
* Test your brakes after passing through the water.
* On flood affected roads, if you vehicle loses grip, or aquaplanes, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
