A MAN is in a serious condition in hospital after his car collided with a snowplough in Aberdeenshire.
The 64-year-old, from Kincardine O’Neil in Deeside, had to be freed from his car by fire crews before he was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The 45-year-old driver of the snow plough also received minor injuries.
It is thought icy road conditions may have cause the crash on the A93 Banchory to Aboyne road at around 9.50am yesterday morning.
The road was closed for around four hours to allow collision investigation examination to be completed.
Sergeant Neil Morrison, from the Road Policing Department at Grampian Police, said: “As a result of the collision the driver of the motorcar received a significant leg injury and is currently described as serious but stable in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“Our enquiries are still at an early stage however, we are keeping an open mind and not discounting the possibility of slippery road conditions being a contributory factor.
“I am grateful for the assistance the emergency crews received at scene from members of the public however, would appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the collision and who has not already come forward, to do so as soon as possible”.
The crash was one of a spate of ice-related incidents that took place on Scottish roads yesterday.
Fife Constabulary recorded six accidents that took place in an hour period at lunch time.
One 83-year-old man was trapped inside his car for nearly two hours as fire crews battled to cut him free.
The car slid off the A907 road at Oakley at around 1.50pm and the pensioner was not freed until around 3.35pm.
Police on the scene described the road as “like a sheet of ice.”
Another 54-year-old man was also involved in the accident but was uninjured.
The elderly man was taken to the Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline for treatment.
Watch Manager Weaver, of Dunfermline Fire Service, said: “The vehicle itself was on its side. It had rolled into some bushes and was about three or four feet away from falling into gardens.
“It was precariously balanced. He wasn’t physically stuck but because of his age we thought it would be best to excavate him using cutting equipment.
“We took precautions because he may have suffered injuries to his neck and back.”
Lothian and Borders was also greatly affected by the conditions
A 78-year-old woman was taken to the Borders General Hospital after her car overturned on the A7 between Galashiels and River Tweed at 12.50pm.
And a 24-year-old man was treated for shock after his car crashed on Langshaw Road in Galashiels at around 1.45pm.
A road was closed in Penicuik in Midlothian after a car and a van crashed on Edinburgh Road outside Beeslack School at 2.50pm.
Two women aged 53 and 51 were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to be treated for shock and suffering minor shoulder injuries.
A spokesman from Lothian and Borders Police said: “Police continue to urge drivers to drive with caution during the winter conditions.”
A spokesman from Fife Constabulary said: “Police advice at this time is only to drive when truly necessary, and always carry a shovel, warm clothing and a hot drink.
“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and let someone know of your intended journey before leaving home alone.
“Listen to the radio. We, and other agencies, provide stations with the latest news on incidents and road closures for news and travel bulletins.
“Be aware that sudden temperature drops can lead to ‘black ice’, particularly when there has been recent rain or a thaw.”
And the AA has also given a stark warning to drivers to be careful.
Andrew Howard, head of Road Safety at the AA, said: “At the moment people seem to forget that there can be ice without snow.
“People seem to forget that roads that look completely clear of ice in the sun may not be between buildings or under trees.
“One of the difficulties that local authorities face is knowing where the ice is on specific roads.
“If the thermometer says anything below three degrees then drivers should think ice. If it is three degrees in the air it could be colder on the road.
“Just because the road looks fine, doesn’t mean that there could be black ice.
“The most important thing is to drive safely and give yourself lots of space.”
