Police warning after series of fatal crashes

There have been five fatal crashes this month and officers are encouraging drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care on the roads this winter and to be aware of others around them.

Police have warned that road conditions are often poorer at this time of year because of rain, strong winds and fallen leaves causing the carriageway to have less grip.

The low sun is also reducing visibility and causing glare in both the morning, during rush hour and in the afternoons.

Road users are being urged to give themselves extra time to make their journeys this month and to take into consideration these road conditions.

Motorists are encouraged to check their vehicles are roadworthy before they start journeys, including making sure their windscreen wipers and lights are working and that their tyres are properly inflated and have plenty of grip.

They are also being asked to reduce their speed, increase their stopping distances and to be alert for how other road users are being affected by the conditions.

Cyclists are being encouraged to make sure they can see and be seen on the roads, to check their bikes are in a good condition and to be aware of other road users.

Pedestrians are being asked to take extra care on slippy pavements and when they are crossing the road, including giving vehicles extra time to stop.

Chief Inspector Phil Nicholas, from Sussex and Surrey roads policing unit, said: “There have sadly been a number of people who have died after being involved in collisions in the county in recent weeks, including four people this week alone.

“Please take extra care on your journey and behave responsibly. Don’t just think about your safety but how what you do could affect other people on the roads.

“There has not been one factor that has caused the fatal collisions but we want to help everyone to use the roads more safely to try to prevent anyone else being hurt or killed.”

If you see a vehicle being driven dangerously call 999.

To report a vehicle being driven antisocially text 65999 or report it at www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.