ALTHOUGH Christmas and New Year's is the season of fun and laughter, residents are being urged to be careful as they enjoy their festivities.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people that driving while under the influence of alcohol can have fatal consequences.

Last year, 95 per cent of drivers passed breathalyser tests but five per cent risked driving behind the wheel illegally.

ALSO READ: Man, in eighties, left in critical condition after A420 crash

Andy Ford, station manager at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “People should make arrangements that don’t require them to drive or even try having non-alcoholic drinks if they know they will need to drive.

“It’s emotional at this time of year when we get called to accidents where people have been driving to visit friends or families. There’s nothing worse than seeing wrapped up presents in the cars.”

The fire service has held information drop ins across the county along with Thames Valley Police reminding people of the limits and dangers in its 'It’s not worth the risk - don’t drink or take drugs and drive' campaign.

If you have had five glasses of wine, you should not drive for 18.5 hours. If you have had five pints of beer, you should not drive for 13.5 hours. If you have had five single spirits, you should not drive for 8.5 hours.

Oxford Mail:

Mr Ford added: “Don’t forget that you could be under the influence of alcohol the morning after you have drank. Think about how many hours since you have had a drink before you drive.”

As well as drink driving, the service is also urging people to have a look at its tips to prevent cooking fires.

Mr Ford said: “It’s easy to get distracted as we enjoy the festive period and forget about the cooking. But make sure cooking is never left unattended.”

On Saturday firefighters were alerted to a fire at a flat in Kings End, Bicester

A cooker had been left on in the kitchen and items had fallen onto it which caught fire.

Crews from Bicester Fire Station were alerted thanks to a smoke detector in the hallway which raised the alarm and equipped with breathing apparatus, they were able to extinguish the blaze before ventilating the flat.

Some cooking safety tips include:

• Turn down the heat and set the timer or better still ask someone to watch it for you if you have to leave the kitchen

• Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing as it can catch fire easily.

• Don’t use matches or lighters to light gas cookers. Spark devices are safer, these can be bought from hardware stores.

For more advice, go to www.365alive.co.uk/cms/content/cooking