Warning to motorists as safe driving campaign stepped up

The safe driving initiative is being organised by the Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership in an attempt to ensure motorists are adequately prepared for winter conditions.

Crew manager Donna Sheridan, the community fire safety officer for Richmondshire, has been involved in organising the campaign, which was launched at the start of December.

An event was staged at Richmond fire station yesterday to highlight the dangers of winter driving.

Ms Sheridan said: "The onus is on the driver to make sure that their vehicle is roadworthy, whether it be ensuring the correct tyre pressures or that the oil and water levels are topped up."

The winter safe driving campaign in Richmondshire has seen road safety officers stage regular visits to the district's market towns to provide motorists with advice and free give-aways of items such as ice scrapers.

The initiative involves the emergency services, Richmondshire District Council and members of the 95 Alive partnership which has helped significant reduce fatalities in the county.

The road safety partnership remains on course to meet its target of keeping an extra 95 people alive up until this year.