Warnings issued after Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue alarmed by surge in road accidents

Motorists are urged to exercise caution after an “alarming increase” in road accidents recently.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has emphasised the imperative need for drivers to exercise caution and adapt their driving to the prevailing road conditions.

It comes as cold and icy weather covers the county.

"We are noticing an alarming increase in the number of RTCs we are attending; it’s crucial to re-emphasise the importance of driving carefully and to the conditions of the road,” said a tweet from the service.

Recent incidents have included a pedestrian receiving medical care this morning on Vine Street in Spalding, while a man in his 30s was taken to the hospital with serious injuries after a crash on the A151 West Pinchbeck yesterday evening.

The A17 was closed for around 90 minutes yesterday following a two-vehicle collision at Fosdyke, on the junction with Pitcher Row Lane.

This alarming trend aligns with a previous warning in December, where Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue urged road users to exercise extra caution during the winter month.

They cited a record of more than 700 RTCs in 2022, of which 38% were attributed to excessive speed.

Road safety partnership advocates stress the importance of adjusting driving behaviour according to weather conditions.

Whether roads are wet, slippery, or visibility is impaired, drivers are advised to lower their speed and maintain extra distance from vehicles ahead.

Vehicle safety checks, including defrosting windscreens, checking tyre pressure, oil and coolant levels, and ensuring working headlights, were also highlighted.

As winter intensifies, drivers are urged to take extra precautions and perform necessary safety checks on their vehicles. Additional tips include avoiding unnecessary travel in icy conditions, planning journeys in advance, using headlights for visibility, and providing more space and time for vulnerable road users.