SEVERAL motorists skidded off the road this morning as temperatures plummeted over night, leading to icy conditions.

There were three separate incidents along the A4440 Swineherd Way in Worcester between 8am and 8.30am, plus an accident on the B4204 between Lower Broadheath and Martley, at about the same time.

The incidents in Worcester all involved single vehicles, skidding off the road and into hedges or trees. There were no injuries, but police have now requested that the road be re-gritted.

On the B4204 the driver of a black Vauxhall Corsa lost control and skidded in to a tree. He suffered no injuries.

A spokesman for West Mercia police urged motorists to take care on the road.

Inspector Phil Worthington, head of South Worcestershire’s vehicle response unit, said: “This week there has been an increase in road traffic collisions in the area and if motorists had acted on simple and common sense advice, some of them could have been avoided.

“It can take 10 times longer for a car to stop in icy conditions, than on a dry road. Motorists should drive slowly and allow extra room and time to slow down and stop.

“They should carry out manoeuvres carefully, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration. Collisions often occur when motorists lose control of their vehicles and start skidding across the road.

“To break on ice or snow, without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently. If you start to skid ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly or hard as this will make things worse.

“It is vital that motorists kill their speed when driving on icy roads so they don’t end up killing themselves or others

Worcestershire County Council had teams of gritters out around the county last night following predictions that temperatures could fall as low as minus eight or nine degrees.

When driving in icy weather: Motorists should keep well back form the vehicle in front If steering becomes unresponsive it probably means the water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road.

Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually Rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen, motorists should reduce their speed and clearly indicate at roundabouts and junctions.

Motorists are advised to follow the advice below to ensure their vehicle is safe and roadworthy: Lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates must be kept clean and clear.

Take special care to ensure brakes are working correctly The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the centre three quarters of the tyre. Most tyres have tread wear indicators, usually six or more small ribs across the bottom of the main tread groves. When the tread surface is level with these ribs, the tyre needs to be replaced.

Check tyre pressure frequently. Do this before your journey, when tyres are cold.

Check the fluid levels in the vehicles weekly. Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and a collision.

Ensure that the battery is well maintained and that there are appropriate anti-freeze agents in your radiator and the correct freeze protection solution in your windscreen bottle.

Make sure that you understand the meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel. Do not ignore warning signs, they could indicate a dangerous fault developing.