Road Safety

Every year we attend more road traffic incidents than fires. As a service we are determined to reduce the number of incidents, injuries and deaths on our roads and keep people safe.

We are proud to be part of the Hampshire Road Safety Partnership. Each partner has different duties and skills, but together the partnership forms a powerful team to make Hampshire and Isle of Wight roads safer for all.

To find out more about each partner and their responsibilities click the links below:

• Hampshire County Council
• Portsmouth City Council
• Southampton City Council
• Hampshire Constabulary
• Highways England

Each partner has different duties and skills, but together the partnership forms a powerful team to make Hampshire’s roads safer for all.

General road safety tips 

Find out everything you need to know about general road safety and the Highway Code on the government’s road safety and driving law.   

Driving in wet weather/river fords 

Our advice would be not to travel in heavy rainstorms unless absolutely necessary, but if you do have to travel, check the Highway Code Wet Weather advice and also consider the following: 

•  Your stopping distance will be at least double 
• If in any doubt, do not attempt to drive through flood water – find an alternative route 
• Keep your distance from the driver in front as your view of the road could be impaired 

Winter driving – driving in snow/ice 

Always check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. See the Highway Code guidance for further advice on what to do when driving in snow/ice. 

Breakdown advice 

Every year there are more than 85,000 breakdowns, so knowing what to do in an emergency or breakdown is crucial for keeping yourself and others safe. 

•  See the breakdown safety advice from Highways England. 
• See further information on what to do in the case of a breakdown on the Highway Code website.

Changes to the Highway Code

On 29 January 2022 the Highway Code was changed to improve safety for people walking, cycling and horse riding. Every road user still has a responsibility to keep themselves and each other safe, and the changes mean being ready to give priority, leave space and be considerate of others. Read the full update.