Footage of a car slamming into a motorway barrier in icy conditions has been released as a warning to drivers to take care on the roads.
The red Nissan Micra can be seen skidding backwards at speed into the central reservation and into a Highways England vehicle along a stretch of the M61 in Lancashire.
Traffic officer Nigel Gorton, who had been dealing with a different incident in the same spot, had to jump the barrier to avoid being hit.
No-one was seriously injured in the crash.
The collision happened in March last year but the footage was released to remind drivers to take care as icy weather is forecast across large swathes of Scotland and England.
There is a yellow warning for snow and ice stretching the length of western Scotland down to Loughborough in the Midlands due come into force at 10pm on Wednesday 26th.
It will expire at 10am on Thursday 27th and is likely to bring wintry showers and icy roads, causing some travel disruption and risk of injury.
Mr Gorton said: “We’d had a report of a collision on the M61, so I’d been dealing with that when I spotted the car skidding out of control towards me.
“Luckily, I was able to jump over the barrier in time but a few minutes earlier I’d been getting cones and warning signs out of my car boot, so I dread to think what would have happened if I’d still been there.
“I’d definitely urge motorists to make sure they drive to the conditions as it takes a lot longer to stop when the roads are icy, and any sudden manoeuvres can lead to you losing control of your vehicle.”
- Advice for safe driving on ice
- What to do after a car accident - should you say sorry?
- Should I buy winter tyres? Pros, cons and costs explained
Highways England is calling on drivers to slow down, particularly on roads that have been freshly gritted as the salt will not have had time to work into the carriageway.
The agency also recommend drivers carry a snow kit including warm clothes and blankets, food and water in case they get stranded in poor weather.
Tips to avoid skidding
- Driving in a higher gear to avoid wheel spin
- Avoid harsh braking
- Use gentle manoeuvres
- Ease off the accelerator if you start to skid
Have you ever lost traction on a slippery road? Hopefully it wasn't as dramatic as the video above, but please share your story with us in the comments below.
You might also like
Winter driving tips for driving on ice
Ice is one of the most hazardous of all driving conditions. Black ice is particularly treacherous. Learn how to drive safely on icy roads with the RAC.

What to do after a car accident - should you say sorry?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, there are a number of steps you must take, regardless of who is to blame - here's what you need to do.

Should I buy winter tyres?
We explain everything you need to know about winter tyres including the pros and cons, what is the law and whether you can save money in the long run.

How to drive safely in windy weather
Read the latest windy weather driving safety advice with RAC Drive. From tips to tackling hazardous conditions to advice for staying safe on the road.

Ten signs your car isn’t ready for the winter
Cold conditions over the winter can exacerbate any underlying mechanical problems with your car and even lead to a breakdown.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10