Police are reminding drivers to take care in wintry conditions after a flurry of weather-related collisions today.

Officers responded to half a dozen reports of crashes that involved ice and snow before many people had even started work.

The weather-related reports received between 5.30am and 9am include: • 5.30am: A car skidding on black ice and coming to rest in a ditch on the A167 in Sandhutton, Thirsk. The driver was removed from the vehicle by firefighters and he was treated by ambulance crews.

• 5.55am: A car slid through a fence in Selby Common, Selby, after hitting ice. The woman who was driving is not believed to have been injured.

• 7.10am: A Land Rover flipped over after sliding down Runswick Bay Bank. Nobody was hurt.

• 8.15am: A pedestrian struck by a car that slid on ice in Barnoldswick near Skipton. No injuries were reported. The incident was transferred to Lancashire Constabulary.

• 8.20am: A driver in Cecil Street, Harrogate, skidded on ice and collided with a parked car, causing minor damage.

• 9am: A woman driving a 4x4 was injured when it skidded into the underside of a bridge beneath the A168 Sowerby, Thirsk. She was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “It’s extremely important to prepare your vehicle for driving in wintry conditions, drive to the conditions you experience and take extra care on the roads.”

North Yorkshire Police is advising motorists to take the following steps during the cold snap before getting behind the wheel: Check brakes, lights, wiper blades, and oil and washer fluid level.

Ensure tyres meet legal requirements – and preferably a tread depth of 3mm.

Carry water and de-icer in the car with you.

If you are going on a longer journey, bring food, hot drinks, blankets and a fully-charged mobile phone.

Always clear your windscreen properly of ice and snow before setting off.