DRIVERS have been warned to take extra care on the roads following a series of incidents on icy roads across Oxfordshire.

During yesterday morning’s rush hour motorists struggled to cope with the icy conditions and there were delays across the county as emergency services dealt with crashes.

There were at least 10 incidents, some involving multiple vehicles.

In Oxford a woman driver had a lucky escape after her car was involved in a crash with an ambulance at the Green Road roundabout in Headington.

South Central Ambulance spokesman David Gallagher said no-one was hurt in the collision, which happened at about 9.15am and caused delays until shortly after 10am.

He added: “This was a minor bump between one of our non-emergency ambulances that was not conveying a patient at the time and another vehicle.”

Icy conditions were expected to continue last night and the Met Office said temperatures could fall to as low as -3C on Saturday.

Mr Gallagher asked motorists and cyclists to take extra care following a series of call-outs.

He said: “A cyclist collided with a car in Abingdon and two cyclists came off their bikes in Oxford Road, Kidlington.

“Given how wet and cold it is, the icy roads are going to be a bit trickier so people need to take extra care on the roads.”

One of the cyclists in the Kidlington crash suffered face and knee injuries and the other suffered an ankle injury, following the accident at about 8am.

In Watlington a male van driver suffered chest injuries after crashing into a stationary car at about 6.40am but his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Two women in their 20s escaped serious injury after their car skidded on ice into a ditch in New Yatt Road, Witney, shortly after 8am.

A four-vehicle crash on the A4074 between Sandford and the Heyford Hill roundabout caused delays at about 9.30am and there was a three-vehicle crash on the southbound exit slip road of the Peartree interchange at about 8.30am but no-one was hurt.

There were also minor collisions at the A34 Abingdon North turn at about 7.30am and on the A4185 at Harwell at about 10am.

Thirteen flood alerts remained in place yesterday for the River Thames and its tributaries, and flood water has partly blocked some roads including Lower Road in Long Hanborough.

A cold weather alert for Oxfordshire issued this week has warned of snow on Sunday.

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Paul Smith said 28 gritters went out on Tuesday night and were out again at 3am yesterday morning to grit the county’s roads.

He added: “They cover all A roads, B roads and some C roads.

“That amounts to 1,200 miles.”

SAFETY TIPS
Thames Valley Police has issued advice to drivers who venture out in icy or snowy weather.

They say motorists need to drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy and should avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control.

Police said drivers should travel particularly slowly on bends and brake gradually on a straight before reaching a bend.

Drivers can check their grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently.

Motorists have been advised to:
* Drive with care, even if the roads have been treated; 
* Keep well back from the driver in front, as stopping distances can be 10 times greater than on dry roads; 
* Take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle; 
* Watch out for snowploughs, which may throw out snow on either side and do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared; 
* Listen to travel bulletins and take note of warning signs that may provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead.