FG Barnes encourages drivers to buckle-up on safe driving tips this Christmas

Local Vauxhall retailer, FG Barnes

in Guildford, together with the Royal Society

for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), is encouraging motorists to take care

on the roads this Christmas, after a customer survey* revealed that even if bad

weather hits, more than two thirds of people would still travel by car to visit

friends and family.

 

What's more, worryingly, only

22% said they would undertake tyre checks on their vehicle and only 30% would

pack bad weather accessories or extra provisions such as blankets, food and

emergency kits ahead of setting off in the snow.

 

Steve

Goodchild, Retail Operator at FG Barnes,

comments: "With such a high percentage of people determined to take to the

roads this Christmas, whatever the weather, it is quite alarming that so few

would take the correct precautions to help improve their safety."

 

Dangers of fatigue

But it's not just bad weather

that drivers should be prepared for; tiredness is a major contributing factor

to road traffic accidents. According to RoSPA, crashes caused by tired drivers

are most likely to happen on long journeys, on monotonous roads such as

motorways.

 

And it seems long journeys are a

matter of course over the festive period, with 100% of respondents saying they

will be making at least one long trip this Christmas and a staggering one in

five estimating that they will travel an average of more than 200 miles on each

journey to visit family and friends.

 

So, with many families planning

to undertake long journeys, half of which are predicted to take place on

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, it's more important than ever for

drivers to be mindful of taking regular breaks and avoiding driving whilst

fatigued.

 

And whilst results indicate that

the peak travel time for Christmas journeys will be between 10am and 2pm, 14%

of respondents say they will either travel between 2pm and 4pm or 2am and 6am,

which according to RoSPA, are the times when the most number of crashes caused

by tiredness are likely to occur.

 

Staying safe this Christmas

Providing advice on how to stay

safe on the roads this Christmas, Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at RoSPA,

comments: "Weather conditions such as snow, ice and fog make driving extremely

difficult and a lot more dangerous, particularly at this time of year when

daylight hours are short.

 

"However, there are top tips

drivers can take on board to maintain safe winter driving, such as being fully

prepared for all weather conditions, ensuring they themselves are in a fit

state to take to the wheel and of course, making sure vehicles are in a good

condition."

 

Fortunately, FG Barnes

on Woking Road is on hand to offer advice

to help keep motorists safe this winter.

 

Steve

Goodchild adds: "Visiting friends and family is an important part of

Christmas, and here at FG Barnes, we are

keen to ensure that drivers in Guildford

are fully prepared for whatever weather comes their way and that they know how

to stay safe in adverse conditions on their journeys.

 

"Some parts of the UK are

already experiencing the first snowfall, so now is the ideal time to prepare

your car for travelling throughout Christmas by stocking up on accessories and

taking advantage of a Winter Safety Check."

 

Available from just £35, expertly-trained Vauxhall MasterFit technicians

at FG Barnes

will visually check customers' Vauxhall cars for any potential safety

issues, ensure tyres are inflated to their optimum, perform any advised

software updates and top up all vital fluids.

 

FG

Barnes is also

well-stocked with a comprehensive range of winter car care accessories,

including the popular and highly effective AutoSock Snow Socks costing from

only £49.95. These innovative and reusable tyre covers are easily fitted over

the driving wheels of a vehicle to give extra traction on snow and ice,

reducing the risk of an accident in slippery conditions.

 

And for a limited time FG Barnes will offer drivers of Vauxhalls

over 3 years old a winter service for just £129** which comes with a free set

of AutoSock Snow Socks!

 

Steve Goodchild concludes: "If you do find

yourself driving on icy or snowy roads, drive very smoothly. Slow down gently

by easing off the throttle and try to avoid applying the brakes. Plan your

journeys in advance, allow extra time and just in case anything does happen,

it's always worth carrying suitable emergency supplies such as food, blankets,

water and First Aid kits in the car with you."

 

For further information about

winter safety checks and products available from FG Barnes, please visit Slyfield Industrial Estate, Woking Road, Guildford, Surrey

GU1 1RT. Alternatively, call 08433 206205 or go online to www.fg-barnes.co.uk.

 

*Customer

survey conducted online, December 2011 with 500 respondents

 

**Offer applies to interim services only and to Vauxhall

passenger cars and commercial vehicles over three years (36 months) old. It

cannot be taken in conjunction with any other promotion and is for retail

customers only. There's no cash alternative. Service must be completed before

29 February 2012. The free set of AutoSock snow socks can only be for the

serviced vehicle. If your vehicle's wheel size is 18 inches or larger, your

service will cost £139. You must mention this promotion when booking your

service as it cannot be awarded retrospectively. Vauxhall reserves the right to

modify the terms of this promotion at any time. Offer available at

participating Retailers only.

About RoSPA:

RoSPA is a registered charity that has been at the heart of

accident prevention in the UK and around the world for more than 90 years. Its

mission is to save lives and reduce injuries and it promotes safety and the

prevention of accidents at work, at leisure, on the road, in the home and

through safety education. See www.rospa.com for more information.