15 November 2007

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has teamed up with the casualty reduction team at Buckinghamshire County Council and local car dealers to stage four free winter driving workshops.

As the bad weather is on its way, it can cause all sorts of problems for drivers - especially novice ones, who may find themselves driving on snow, ice or in foggy conditions for the first time - and it can be very difficult to know how to react in an emergency.

Extreme weather conditions can make driving very risky, which is why training and preparation are very important.

Each workshop will consist of presentations from motoring professionals, along with some practical advice on maintaining your vehicle and hints and tips for safer winter driving.

The events are taking place at the following locations:

• Camden Vauxhall, off Bicester Road, Aylesbury -  Tuesday 20 November 2007, 7pm
  
  
• Chesham Fire Station, Bellingdon Road, Chesham – Thursday 22 November 2007, 7pm
  
  
• Citygate Volkswagen, London Road, High Wycombe – Wednesday 28 November 2007, 6.30pm
  
  
• Buckingham Ford, Ford Street, Buckingham – Thursday 29 November 2007, 7pm

If you would like to attend one of these workshops, please call 01296 382450 to book your place. You will be asked to pay a £10 refundable deposit

If you cannot attend one of these workshops, here are a few tips to help you stay safe on the roads during winter:

• Ask yourself - is your journey absolutely essential?
  
  
• Check the local and national weather forecasts.
  
  
• Listen to local and national radio for travel information.
  
  
• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.
  
  
• Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade.
  
  
• Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out and carry a screen scraper and de-icer.
  
  
• To avoid losing control of your car because of a wheel spin, use the highest gear that you can. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and sharp turns.