Christmas safety advice including the dangers of drink/drugs driving, and the risks of house fires have been issued by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire service highlighted that many road crashes happen because drivers lose control, particularly on bends or in wet or icy conditions. The safety advice is to drive for the road conditions and give time to react by reducing speed.

Drinking alcohol, or taking drugs, and driving puts all road users in danger. The only safe option is not to drink alcohol. There are always safe alternatives such as taking a taxi, bus or train, designating a ‘dry’ driver, walking home or deciding to stay overnight.

Oxford Mail:

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “If you cause a collision, it can result in life-changing injuries to you and to anyone else involved. You will also carry the terrible guilt and for what? For the sake of a lunchtime drink, a phone call, or saving a bit of time? It really isn’t worth the risk.”

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Andy Ford, Road Safety Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Oxfordshire has more rural roads than most counties. And Oxford city centre more cyclists per head of population than most other towns and cities. This means drivers must be alert, drive sensibly, safely and share the road, from the moment they turn the ignition key.

“With most people staying at home or with family this year, remember you may drink more that you realise, so it is even more important to remember that in the morning you may still be affected by alcohol in your system. Make sure you leave enough time the next day before you drive."

Home fire safety tips include not cooking after drinking alcohol, not placing candles near the tree, not overloading electrical sockets and making sure the property has enough smoke alarms that are regularly tested.