MOTORISTS are being warned to take extra care on the roads over the weekend as temperatures are set to plummet.

The Met Office has forecast outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow across the West Midlands tomorrow (Saturday) followed by a rapid drop in temperature which will lead to a risk of icy and slippery roads.

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is urging drivers to be vigilant in wet and icy conditions by driving smoothly, avoiding breaking sharply and remembering to increase stopping distances.

Anna Higgins, communications manager at the Partnership, said: “With sleet, snow and low temperatures forecast over the next few days roads could get very slippery and motorists will need to exercise caution.

“It takes much longer for vehicles to slow down on wet, icy or snowy roads. Keep well back from the vehicle in front and allow plenty of time to slow down.

“Drivers are advised to look as far ahead as possible to anticipate what other road users might be planning to do, especially at junctions and roundabouts.

“Braking sharply on a slippery road will only make the situation worse and could cause the brakes to lock and the car to skid.”

The partnership is also reminding drivers about the importance of carrying an emergency kit in their cars during the winter months in case of breakdown or delay.

Useful items to keep in the vehicle include an ice-scraper, torch, warm clothes, blanket, a pair of boots, a first aid kit, battery jump leads, a shovel for snow, food and drink and sunglasses to help see in low winter sun.

Motorists are also advised to make sure their mobile phone is fully charged before heading off on a long journey.