Police are investigating after two cyclists died in a collision on the A595 at Moota yesterday afternoon.

At just before 2:55pm on Sunday 5 December two pedal cyclists, believed to have been travelling together west on the A595, were involved in a crash with a coach heading towards Cockermouth. Tragically the two men, both believed to be in their twenties and from the local area, died at the scene.

The driver of the coach, a 42-year-old man from Carlisle, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was taken to Workington Police Station and interviewed before being released on bail to return on 6 February 2011 while the investigation continues. Police are currently working to formally identify the two men.

The A595 between Bothel and the B5301 Parsonby junction was closed until 9pm whilst officers conducted a thorough examination of the scene with collision investigators. 

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident who have not already made contact with the police to contact West Cumbria Roads Policing Unit on 0845 33 00 247.

Winter driving safety advice for motorists

Plan your journey in advance:

• Check local and national weather forecasts and tune into local radio stations to check on road conditions and closures
• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive and ensure you have a charged mobile phone with you
• Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade
• Clear your windows and mirrors fully before you set off and carry a screen scraper and de-icer

If you have an accident, break-down or become stuck in bad weather conditions:

• Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make the call
• On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone because the emergency services and breakdown recovery services will be able to locate you easily. If you have to use a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder
• If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you

Vehicle maintenance:

• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow
• Keep your battery fully charged
• Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer
• Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order
• Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure. Consider changing to high performance winter tyres.

Drive according to weather conditions:

• Allow extra time and distance to brake as it can take ten times longer to stop in wet or icy conditions
• Adapt your driving behaviour. Keep in mind the decreased visibility and changing road conditions.
• Slow down and avoid sudden or jerky movements are all vital to safe winter driving
• When driving on ice or snow use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin
• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently
• Be wary of satellite navigation systems as they tend to direct you over high rural roads that are likely to be closed or particularly hazardous in winter
• Be aware of poor visibility when the sun is low in the early morning and at sunset. If you are blinded by strong sunlight you should slow down or stop if safe to do so. Take time to allow your vision to adjust and never put your vehicle where your eyes haven’t been
• Do not assume that pedestrians have seen you. They may be elderly, young or not be able to hear you
• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads if the water seems too deep
• Drive slowly through water in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling
• Test your brakes when you have driven through a flood before you drive again at normal speed