Police and firefighters have warned drivers to take extra care on the roads as icy conditions have returned.
There have been a number of incidents, particularly around the Uckfield area, including one near the White Hart in Buxted on Tuesday evening (January 26). Three vehicles were involved in a collision that is believed to have caused primarily by ice on the road. The incident happened in Station Road just before 7.30pm and involved a Mitsubishi Shogun, Vauxhall Astra and a Vauxhall Corsa.
The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 63-year-old man from Fletching, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton with minor injuries; the 42-year-old female driver of the Astra from Hadlow Down and her 22-year-old male passenger from Seaford were treated for minor injuries at the Kent and Sussex Hospital at Tunbridge Wells; the 20-year-old driver of the the Corsa from Crowborough was uninjured.
Watch Manager Simon Neill, from Uckfield fire station, who attended the scene, said that conditions were treacherous. “It was already minus two when we arrived and my crew were finding it difficult to keep their feet on the ice. We have noticed these conditions in a number of places over the last 24 hours. Water that has been draining from surrounding land has been causing localised patches of ice and they can catch even the most cautious driver unawares.”
Sgt David Morgan from the East Sussex Road Policing Unit based at Polegate said that there had been a number of incidents in the Wealden district. “Do not assume that because one part of the road looks dry and clear, this will be the case around the next bend. Similarly, black ice can look just like a wet road, so be sure to remain constantly alert to potential hazards and what’s going on around you,” he said.
“In particular, drivers travelling home in the early evening should be aware that ice may already be forming and in shady areas may not melt away at all on a chilly day.
“Plan your route and leave more time for your journey. Drive slowly and carefully to take account of icy conditions, always leave a good distance between your car and any vehicles in front of you. Low morning sun coupled with a windscreen that you cannot see through properly is potentially extremely dangerous. Ensure that you thoroughly demist the windscreen and do not move off until all of your windows and mirrors are fully clear.”