POLICE are warning motorists to drive carefully after dealing with 100 accidents in 15 hours during the cold weather.

Emergency services were stretched to the limit after blizzards brought much of the county to a standstill on Monday.

And while the worst of the show is believed to have passed freezing temperatures are still making driving conditions treacherous.

Inspector John Mallace has issued guidance on how to avoid skidding down the icy roads and gave safety tips to other road users to help them steer clear of accidents.

Insp Mallace said “Before you set off make sure your car is defrosted properly with both your front, side and rear windows clear and you should keep some de-icer in your vehicle.

“When you are driving avoid excessive breaking and acceleration because that reduces the grip on the road and therefore you may skid.”

Insp Mallace warned cyclists and motorcyclists to avoid riding close to the gutter where there were pools of ice. He said: “Motorcyclists want to be visible and if they are doing any distance they want to stay warm because if you get cold you get fatigued so you want to stay switched on.”

Insp Mallace also advised car drivers not to turn their engines on and leave the car to warm up as opportunist thieves may strike.

He said: “If you are de-misting and running your car up to temperature do so with yourself in the car or in close attendance.

“You should not leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running because not only is it an offence it’s just not a very good idea if you want to keep your car.”

Insp Mallace reminded drivers to be extra vigilant in carrying out basic maintenance checks including looking to see if tyres are inflated and in good condition , checking oil and water levels and adding de-icer to the windscreen washer water .

He added: “It’s important drivers pay attention when on the road not only in the winter but the rest of the year.

“They need to make sure they don’t get distracted by other things in the car which could in that split second lead to an accident which could sadly lead to serious or fatal consequences.

“If you’ve got a mobile phone either switch it off or put it somewhere where you are not going to reach it and be tempted to answer it or even worse read a text message.

“Make sure you wear a seatbelt as it keeps you safe in the car and make sure you have warm clothing and appropriate footwear.

“It is party season but if your car breaks down on your way to a party wearing a small black dress and stilettos make sure you’ve got a warm coat and some appropriate footwear for cold conditions.”

“But the message is unless you need to travel then don’t.”