Maidenhead & Windsor

Enjoy a safe and happy Christmas – that's the seasonal message to Maidenhead Royal Borough motorists in the run-up to the festive season.

To help drive home the Maidenhead seasonal safety message, the borough's road safety team is treating motorists to an early Christmas present in the shape of ice-scrapers and grab-a-cab cards available from the Town Hall, Maidenhead, from the beginning of December (while stocks last).

Maidenhead Royal Borough road safety officers' top tips for safe driving this Christmas include:

· plan your journey – listen to travel information, check the weather forecast and make sure you are carrying warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. An ice-scraper and de-icer are essentials.

· if you get into trouble – stop your vehicle before using your mobile phone, or, if on the motorway, use the roadside emergency phone, which will help emergency services to locate you easily. Stay with your vehicle on the other side of the verge barrier until help arrives or leave your car somewhere visible.

· ensure your car is well maintained and serviced

· adjust your driving to the conditions – use dipped headlights at the earliest signs of hail, fog, heavy snow and reduce your speed – and consider using at least your sidelights at all times during the winter

· avoid harsh braking in wet or icy conditions – drive more slowly, manoeuvre gently and give yourself extra time and distance to stop

· if you start to skid ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly

· keep sunglasses handy for dazzle from the low winter sun

· take care around salting vehicles – keep a safe distance and avoid overtaking

· don't drink and drive – any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. The only safe option is not to drink if you plan to drive – and never offer a drink to someone else who is driving! Use Grab-a-Cab cards to book a taxi, use public transport, stay overnight, choose a non-alcoholic alternative or nominate someone to be the designated driver.

Cllr Antony Wood, lead member for Maidenhead road safety, said: "The best advice to motorists is to take your mobile phone with you when you go out – and as soon as you buy a drink use the card to book a taxi home for later."

For further information about the borough's "early Christmas presents" contact Philippa Baxter, road safety officer, on 01628 796577.

The free ice scrapers and Grab a Cab cards will be available in the Maidenhead Town Hall reception from December 1.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead